Fan fiction and innovative methods to rekindle children’s interest in reading
Marisa Johnson’s six-year-old daughter was on the verge of independent reading when her school in Alameda, California, closed down last year. With limited literacy skills and ample time confined at home, she finds herself spending more hours immersed in video games and shows than in books.
«She’s definitely reading less,» Johnson laments. «Screens seem to be the only way we can carve out some alone time.»
As many parents can attest, screen time has surged during the pandemic. A study published in Nature reported a 67 percent increase in recreational device use among children aged four to 17 during the lockdown in Germany. Similarly, research by Dubit Limited found an 11 percent uptick in screen time among American children aged two to 15, with a 52 percent surge in laptop usage likely due to remote learning.
Although there is no concrete evidence yet linking the spike in screen time to a decline in recreational reading, Christine Elgersma, senior editor of learning resources at Common Sense Media, suggests that it’s a plausible concern. The combination of interrupted schooling and reduced reading time could have repercussions.
Numerous studies have established a connection between reading habits and academic success, empathy development, and a broader understanding of the world—qualities most parents aspire for their children. Maria Russo, former children’s book editor at the New York Times and co-author of «How to Raise a Reader,» suggests that despite screens dominating children’s lives, parents can guide them back to books.
«If you want your kids to embrace reading, you must help them discover books they genuinely enjoy,» Russo emphasizes. «Rather than nagging them to read or confiscating their devices, focus on helping them find books that ignite their enthusiasm.»
Russo acknowledges that it may require more effort now than before, but the strategies to foster reading habits haven’t fundamentally changed due to the pandemic. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Cater to their interests. Match books with your child’s passions—be it animals, history, or Minecraft—and watch their enthusiasm soar. «Children who find books aligned with their interests are eager readers,» Russo observes. «They crave those stories.»
- Tailor book selections to your child’s personality. Some children are driven by curiosity and seek information. For such kids, atlases or almanacs can be captivating reads, offering answers to their questions.
- Set limits on screen time and make books easily accessible. Establishing rules around screen use can help mitigate digital temptations. Designating specific screen-free times and areas in your home encourages children to explore other activities. Additionally, ensure that books are readily available to entice kids seeking alternative entertainment options.
- Bridge cultural gaps through literature. Expose children to books authored by individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering insights into different worlds—be it racial, regional, or socio-economic. «This is the world they’re inheriting,» Russo remarks.
- Cultivate reading habits through regular bookstore visits or library trips. By fostering a habit of seeking out new books, parents instill a lifelong appreciation for reading. Additionally, reading for pleasure in front of children sets a positive example, influencing their reading behaviors.
- Explore diverse genres. Graphic novels, poetry, and novels in verse can serve as accessible entry points to reading for children struggling with motivation. These formats provide visual and textual diversity, easing the transition into longer, traditional texts.
- Address challenging topics through literature. While some parents may shy away from young adult books containing mature themes, Russo suggests that engaging with these topics through literature offers valuable learning opportunities and fosters meaningful conversations.
- Foster engagement through fandoms. Participation in fan communities, whether through creating fan art, writing fan fiction, or cosplaying as favorite characters, can enhance children’s excitement about books and encourage creative expression.
- Foster community and connection through shared reading experiences. Reading aloud together or participating in family book clubs adds a social dimension to reading, strengthening bonds and creating opportunities for meaningful discussions.
- Embrace digital reading, but exercise moderation. While research on the benefits of paper books versus e-books remains inconclusive, Elgersma advises parents to prioritize reading apps or audiobooks over interactive platforms to promote information retention.
Above all, Russo urges parents not to despair if their children’s reading habits have faltered. As adolescents navigate identity formation, they may temporarily shift their interests away from books. However, the intrinsic value of books and storytelling remains unchanged, and children will gravitate back to reading when the time is right.
Lastly, Gene Yang, author and father of four, emphasizes the importance of showing grace to both children and parents amid the challenges of the pandemic. «People need to be gentle with themselves—and with their kids,» he reflects.