How to Help Your Adolescent Become a Better Reader

Practice reading with your child each day.

The Child Development Institute notes that children who struggle with reading often experience frustration, poor grades, shyness, behavioral problems and stress. All children learn at different speeds, but it can be embarrassing for an older child who still struggles with reading skills. He may feel inadequate or that he isn't smart. You can help your adolescent become a better reader by spending time together practicing his reading skills and by incorporating reading into your daily lives.

Things You'll Need

• Index cards, 3 inches by 5 inches

Instructions

1. Read out loud together each day. Take turns reading out loud. If your adolescent struggles with a word, try to sound it out with him. Encourage your child to take his time reading and do not rush him.

2. Make reading fun. As you read together, ask your child questions about the story, such as "What do you think of this character?" or "Wow, that's a really interesting fact. How do you feel about that?" Use different voices when reading different characters' lines. Use facial expressions and hand motions to add feeling and excitement to the story.

3. Incorporate reading into daily activities. Look for opportunities to read out loud with your child that don't involve books. When you see an interesting sign or a funny joke on your cereal box, read it to your child. Ask your child to help you read a recipe while you make dinner together, or read the television guide to see if any new shows will be on.

4. Learn vocabulary words together. When you read with your child, keep a list of new and interesting words that you find. Look up the definitions in a dictionary and write them on index cards. Try to incorporate the new words you learn into daily conversation and encourage your child to do the same. Make it a game to see who can use the most new words each day.

5. Find books that interest your child. Whether you buy new books or check them out from a library, make sure your child has books at home that are interesting to him. If your child plays piano, try to find a book about pianos or music. If your child likes birds, find a story about a bird or different types of birds. Finding a topic that interests your child will make reading exciting and entertaining for your child.

References

• Kid Source: How Parents and Families Can Help Their Children Do Better in School
• Grammar and More: Improve Kids' Reading -- Even Without Books
• Child Development Institute: Improving Reading for Children and Teens

Resources

• U.S. Department of Education: Helping Your Child Become a Reader