Engaging Kids via Christian Fantasy
Some Helps for Giving Guidance
I have heard parents and grandparents alike decrying the fact that their kids or grandkids have their nose stuck in their smart phones hour after hour and have no interest in reading. Sadly, for those kids it may be a little late to develop a love for reading. But, hey, you can try. Here are a couple of ideas for developing a love for reading. One for developing it in kids who are in fourth and possibly up through seventh or eighth grades (a number of factors involved relative to the latter), and a second for those below fourth grade.
A Love for Books: Idea One
When it comes to the older group mentioned above, developing a love for books depends a lot depends on family bedtime parameters. If there is no set bedtime, my idea has no merit. I used the idea when my sons were young (so it can work with boys as well as girls) and one of my sons has used the same concept. OK, so what is this “magical” concept? Well, it is not actually magical, but it does work with some kids. I do not guarantee it will work with all kids.
Here is the concept. If a kid’s normal bedtime is 8:30, offer to allow them a reading time beyond 8:30, say another 15 to 30 minutes (It is worth the extra time elements if it gets them reading). Also, offer the option of several good book for them to choose from and not just any old book. Good Christian fantasy will capture their imagination and as they get into it, it will give them a love for books and for reading.
Another option might be to offer an incentive to encourage reading. “Choose one of these book options, read it and give me a good verbal report on it and…” offer some incentive that will motivate them: financial, a movie, a special item they want from the store, etc. This option should be considered especially by those who have no set bedtime.