Babies & Kids Blog

Since we’ve been talking so much about books lately, I thought this was a perfect time for this article. I’ve shared information previously on how to encourage your children to read, but I found this article to be unique because it includes suggestions from children. It’s great to get their perspective!

Parents can make reading more motivating by letting children choose books and making reading a memorable family event. Find out what children themselves have to say about these guidelines for parents to increase motivation.

Here are a few tried-and-true guidelines from Reading Is Fundamental on how to motivate kids to read, with comments and suggestions from kids themselves.

Let kids pick out their own books:

Book choice is a strong motivation for readers young and old. Let kids pick out books at the library or bookstore. It’s almost a sure thing they’ll want to read them. If you pick them out, they won’t.

“Let your children pick out whatever interests them. When I was little, I always picked dinosaur books. My dad would read them to me. I got to pick out any book, and he would read it, no matter how hard it was,” says Brian.

Set goals and reward reading:

Reward reading with more reading, we’ve always said. Stop by the library or bookstore for the next book in your child’s favorite series, or let your child shop for it online. Most kids agree, but they don’t also see a problem with more… well, extrinsic rewards.

“Go around your town and find out about contests – you know, like the ones at the library where if you read so many books, you get a reward. Or make up your own,” says Vincent. “If your kid likes ice cream, then every time he finishes, say, two chapter books at least over a hundred pages, then take him out for a little treat.”

Let your kids see you read:

Read the newspaper over your morning coffee, take a magazine from the rack in a doctor’s office while you wait, and stuff a paperback into your purse, pocket, or briefcase. Your kids will catch on to the fact that reading is something you like to do in your spare time.

“If parents don’t read a lot in front of kids, and instead watch lots of electronics – like TV and the computer – then the kids will think that’s what they’re supposed to do and they might not read as much,” says Cameron.

Make reading together fun and memorable:

Parents can convey important positive impressions about reading by making reading an experience their children will remember and cherish.

Emily says, “My mom really likes to read to me and she makes the books sound funny by using different voices.”

It’s not what you read to your child that counts; it’s how. Make a story come alive by changing your voice and pace, or using sound effects and motions.

“For me, it was not just books – it was how my mom read the book that got my attention,” says Brittany.

Create loving associations with books and reading:

Reading together is a time for closeness and cuddling – another way to show your love as a parent, grandparent, or caring adult.

“My mom would write magical notes from Santa, from the tooth fairy, and ‘discover’ and read them with me in the morning. It was the sweetest reward knowing she’d taken the time,” says Brittany.

Luis says, “My grandma is coming, and I want her to read to me.”

For children lucky enough to have parents who read to them, the memory is lasting and their love for books and reading lifelong.

“Most of all, do it the old-fashioned way. Hold your child while you read together. One of my fondest memories is having my mom read to me in bed at night and falling asleep in her arms. I slept perfectly those nights,” says Taurean.

image: qctonline

Yesterday I shared with you Scholastic’s Top 25 Picture Books. Here are the Top 25 Chapter books, chosen by 200 school teachers. Many of these children’s books made a major impact on my childhood. Charlotte’s Web was the first book I ever cried over and Anne of Green Gables made me realize it was okay to be smart and headstrong. Little House on the Prairie was special to me because I grew up in the cold upper midwest, where Laura Ingalls Wilder spent her childhood. Did your favorites make the list?

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (HarperCollins). Some pig, indeed. Monica Edinger, fourth-grade teacher and author of Using Beloved Classics to Deepen Reading Comprehension, calls Charlotte’s Web “the great American children’s novel…beginning with that remarkable first sentence ‘Where’s Papa going with that ax?’”

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: The classic tale of the talented spider who uses all her energies to save the life of her friend Wilbur, farmyard pig and soon-to-be dinner. Gareth Williams’ illustrations add depth and sensitivity to this beautiful story of simple miracles.

2. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–7
What it’s about: Leslie brings a whole new world to the life of the main character Jesse. She ruins his dream of being the fastest 5th grader (she is), creates a magical world with him, and then leaves him just as he begins to come into his own. A lovely classic.

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (Scholastic). When the NEA surveyed teachers on kids’ books in 1999, Harry Potter had yet to cast a spell. Now the whole world is hooked!

Who it’s for: Grades 2 and up
What it’s about: The magical first year of a young wizard’s first year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: An English brother and sister discover a wardrobe that opens into a different land. The first book in a beloved series, this story introduces us to Narnia, its cold and evil witch, and loving lion, Aslan, and awakens the hero in the siblings.

5. Holes by Louis Sachar (FSG).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: The compelling and complex story of Camp Green Lake and the boys who dig holes to “build character”. As our hero discovers that there is more to the holes than just punishment, he begins to fulfill his own destiny. Terrific social commentary!

6. The Giver by Lois Lowry (Random House), makes kids think. “It’s wonderful for discussing politics,” says brave teacher Jennifer Kopp.

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: In a world free of disease and crime, Jonas takes up his role as the Receiver of Memory. As the images and ideas of a world that was flawed but free begin to enter his mind, Jonas begins to question everything about the world he lives in.

7. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: Winn-Dixie is the dog that frequently leads our protagonist, Opal, into new adventures and occasional trouble. She also helps her create a world in which she can accept herself, others, and the fact that her mother abandoned her seven years before.

8. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: Oh, that Fudge! Fourth-grader Peter has to put up with 3-year-old Fudge’s shenanigans day and night, but when Fudge steals Peter’s turtle, it’s the last straw. A wonderful book for older siblings, no matter what their age.

9. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (FSG). Jennifer Roy, author of Yellow Star, says her childhood fave “makes math, science, and philosophy appealing.” Really.

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: Meg Murray and her siblings journey to another world in this classic.

10. Frindle by Andrew Clements (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–6
What it’s about: Watch out! This is the story of ornery Nick Allen, who circumvents his English teacher and makes a new word (“frindle” replacing “pen”) which becomes a world-wide sensation.

11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: The famous tale of poor Charlie and his winning ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The other kids drop like flies as they disobey Willy’s rules, but Charlie prevails in the end—bringing his family with him.

12. Junie B., First Grader (At Last!) by Barbara Park (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 1–3
What it’s about: Junie B., of the popular series, makes it to first grade. But here, a whole new set of problems beset her—new friends, old friends who are changing and what’s more? She needs glasses! A great installment in a terrific series.

13. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: A remarkable story of a Depression-era boy growing up in the Ozarks. With his bluetick hound in tow, Billy Colman spends his days roaming the woods, hunting raccoons. Tragedy will strike this tale, but life goes on, as does the red fern.

14. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (FSG). Snag this idea from Jane Yolen: “I use the opening in writing classes as an example of sheer beauty.”

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: A haunting story that is part nature tale, part adventure story, and part romance. The Tuck family has found the fountain of youth and they protect it well. But when they decide to share it, they will learn an important lesson (so will the reader).

15. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (Random House).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Classic story about a curious observer who ends up an outcast for her observations. The presentation of peer interactions is both funny and painfully accurate. In the end, Harriet will have to come to terms with growing up on her own (she does!).

16. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–5
What it’s about: Cleary’s insightful and funny presentation of the workings of a third grader’s head continues to please kids across time. Ramona is smart, engaging and funny and her daily adventures never stop entertaining!

17. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Part of the treasured series, this book introduces us to the Kansas prairie life of young Laura. Having traveled there by covered wagon, the book outlines the setting up of hearth and home and dealing with all the travails of the true 1860 house!

18. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (Simon & Schuster).

Who it’s for: Grades 3–6
What it’s about: You’ll never visit a museum in the same way again! This is the wonderful story of Claudia and her brother Jamie, who didn’t want an “old-fashioned” running away, and so they move into the Met. And that is just the beginning…

19. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (Little, Brown).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: This Newbery Award winner concerns the day-to-day of Jeffrey (Maniac) Lionel Magee; part kid, part folk-hero, all fun. He tries to undo racism, knit fighting factions together, and generally bring peace and good will to make a home.

20. The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett.

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Two children, sour and stifled in a gloomy British estate house, find a locked and secret garden. The discovery of this place of flowers and sun revitalizes the children physically and mentally. A terrific story of new life from old….

21. Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech (HarperCollins).

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: Dallas and Florida have seen the inside of one too many foster homes. But when a compassionate couple takes them in, new life develops. We see the two kids begin to rely on themselves even as they learn to love and develop new relationships.

22. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Penguin).

Who it’s for: Grades 4–8
What it’s about: A fascinating story of a large and loving African-American family in the Deep South 1930s. We read through the relationships within the family even as we watch them navigate hatred and discrimination from without.

23. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: When Anne, age eleven and an orphan, is mistakenly sent to the Cuthbert’s, who wanted farm help, they could’ve sent her back. They don’t. The lovable Anne—center of a number of stories—begins her new life on Prince Edward Island.

24. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick (Scholastic).

Who it’s for: Grades 6–9
What it’s about: Two boys, living with mismatched difficulties, learn to overcome the world’s obstacles with each other’s help. Inspired by King Arthur’s tales, the friendship will even be able to survive the death of one of the pair, since friendship doesn’t die.

25. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins). We can’t believe it’s over either.

Who it’s for: Grades 3–7
What it’s about: The beginning of one of the most unique children’s book series. Woe to the Baudelaire children, and all the events that befall them! Plucky, smart and funny, these kids outwit the many unfortunate events that come their way.

image: playbooks

Find more kids’ books at Smarter.com.