Keep the Pages Turning: My Top Three Tips to Encourage Your Teen to Read This Summer

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Hello, Annie Adjan here. As you know, I'm passionate about helping our teenagers reach their full potential. Summer is an ideal time for relaxation, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to get your teens into a good book. In my recent video, I laid out three of my favorite strategies for encouraging your teens to read during the summer break. Here, I've broken them down into an easy-to-digest blog post.

Tip 1: Hit the Road with Books

Everyone loves a good road trip, right? That's why it's the perfect chance to introduce the magic of audiobooks to your teens. Give them a choice of five audiobooks you think they'd enjoy, and let them select their top two. It's a wonderful way to encourage their decision-making skills.

Once you're on the road, swap between an hour of audiobook listening and an hour of device time. This method provides a fun, family-oriented reading experience. If possible, snag a softcover copy of the chosen audiobooks. Following along while listening offers a powerful reading experience, particularly helpful for those readers a little hesitant to pick up a book.

Tip 2: Entice Them with Page-to-Screen Stories

Next up, I've got an exciting approach that combines books and movies. Engage your teens with novels that have made their way to the silver screen. Whether they're into classics like "Great Gatsby" or modern-day stories like "Perks of Being a Wallflower," there's a treasure trove of options.

First, watch the movie trailer together, then set a reading goal, followed by a movie night when the book is finished. Comparing the book to its movie adaptation fosters thought-provoking discussions that spur higher cognitive processes. Plus, it's a great way to introduce them to their next summer read by looking at upcoming movie adaptations!

Tip 3: Make Reading a Family Bonding Experience

Despite the occasional eye-rolls, believe me, our teens still value family togetherness. Transforming reading into a family activity is a fantastic way to cater to this need.

Picture this: After dinner, everyone in the family grabs their book and settles down together for a cozy reading session. Such shared experiences strengthen family bonds and instill a love for reading. Throw in fun incentives like s'mores outside after a few consecutive reading days, and you've got yourself a winning formula!

Remember, leading by example goes a long way. If you read the same book as your children, it encourages conversation and deeper understanding. Plus, reading aloud together can make for memorable family moments.

In conclusion, these strategies are designed to help you guide your teen into a world of summer reading while also combating the dreaded summer brain drain. Try out my tips—audiobooks for road trips, books-turned-movies, and family reading sessions—and let me know how they work for your family!

Just because it's summer vacation doesn't mean your teen's learning has to take a break too. Check out my free guide for more reading encouragement tips. Here's to a fantastic, book-filled summer!