If you have ever heard your child say that they are reading a boring book and not enjoying it, this post is for you!
Most parents have likely heard their children complain about a book they need to read for school: the book is boring. The book is lame. The book is old and doesn’t make sense.
It’s almost impossible for most students to reach the end of high school without needing to read classic literature. Whether it is Shakespeare or Bronte, class lessons about symbolism, metaphor, and imagery can be complex. Language structure in classic literature can make it difficult for students to appreciate the reading process. Especially when the books contain complex themes and are not the most “enjoyable” read for everyone.
So, how can parents encourage their children to engage with ‘boring’ books and not develop a distaste for reading? Check out these four fantastic tips and tricks to encourage students to love school reading.
Make Reading Fun with These Four Tips
1. Read with your child
Join your child and read the book yourself. Discuss with your child which parts you liked (and which parts bored you as well!) If your child can tell you specifics (even if they are bashing the book while doing it), at least you know they’re reading and remembering the story.
As a bonus, this process creates excellent bonding time between parents and kids!
2. Make it relevant to today
Many older stories become source material for modern-day entertainment. The same story your child finds boring likely exists in modern movies, books, and TV shows.
While the original language in the source material may contain references and terms that are outdated, it’s important that students understand that what they are reading is used in modern times. The ‘love triangle’ plot in Wuthering Heights between Catherine, Linton, and Heathcliff is also found in the Hunger Games between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.
A quick search online will help you find many more reference points that might be a little more engaging and modern for a student to understand.
3. Ask questions
If kids say they don’t like a book that has been assigned, they should be able to articulate why.
Try asking what they would instead be reading and why. If they say, the main character is ‘stupid,’ ask them which part of the book made them think that. You will quickly discover whether your child is forming engaged opinions or simply repeating ideas without backup.
4. Notice complaints and struggles
Students sometimes disguise misunderstanding as dislike. This happens often and is sometimes challenging to distinguish between the two.
So, if your child isn’t comprehending what they’re reading, it’s unlikely that they will enjoy it. The book itself may not be too dull or old at all. It might be that the child’s reading level does not match the level required to understand and appreciate the book.
If you discover that your child might need help with their reading, then check out this article on how to develop more vigorous reading habits.
When There’s a “Boring Book,” GradePower Learning Can Help!
GradePower Learning’s comprehensive reading programs are customized to each child’s specific learning needs.
Help your child develop a solid understanding of reading, writing, and spelling—from grasping the fundamentals to applying advanced concepts—with GradePower Learning. Contact is today!
