How “Non-Readers” Can Champion Chapter-Book Children (Article #8)
You don’t have to be a reader to help change the future of reading. Here are 10 ways.
I recognize that I am an avid reader who has been writing these articles about how our society needs to work together to raise readers. As a result, that approach may feel as though these pieces are limited to those who are readers themselves, but I want to be clear: those who identify themselves as “non-readers” can help raise book-loving children.
I myself was raised by an avid reader and a self-proclaimed non-reader. My daughter is growing up in a household with a similar dynamic, but in both situations, the “non-reading” parent is vocal about the importance of reading and still makes it a priority for the child learning to love it.
If you yourself identify as a non-reader but still want to help change the trajectory of our next generation’s relationship with reading, then here are 10 ways you can support reading as a self-proclaimed “non-reader,” but as you will see, my first point will be to challenge that perception of yourself.
Define Your Terms: As with any good argument, let’s begin by defining our terms to make sure we’re on the same page. When you label yourself a “non-reader,” what do you actually mean by that? In my family, I would argue those who say they are “non-readers” really just mean they do not pick up a book for pleasure. Instead, they are avid readers and writers when it comes to professional literacy and the type of reading they have to do to be good at their jobs. They are also well-informed citizens who frequently read news or magazine articles. Consequently, they are readers in their own right but have failed to see themselves as such. Therefore, I challenge you to take some time for self-assessment. Consider what you read and what you don’t read. After some reflection, are you really a non-reader?
Rebrand Yourself: Probably most people will discover they do some form of reading, which means it’s time to reimagine yourself as a reader. Instead of having a limited view of yourself when it comes to reading, start thinking of ways you can accentuate the positive aspect of your reading life. Start making statements, such as “I read a lot of [fill in the blank] for work,” “I enjoy keeping up with the news by reading [insert newspaper, magazine, or online site you frequent regularly],” or “I enjoy reading about [insert hobby or interest here].”
Share Your Story: Share your lifetime struggles about building a reading life with children. Many children will relate with your reading journey, and that’s a good thing, but make sure your narrative still includes the importance of working through the obstacles toward becoming a reader. Emphasize why you think it’s crucial they become good readers and why you continue to try to be a good reader yourself even if that does not mean becoming someone who reads for entertainment.
Be Transparent: Children can tell when adults are being inauthentic, so give yourself permission to be honest about the type of reading you do and do not do, and why. It’s especially important for children to see the type of reading and writing you must do in your professional life, so show them and talk to them about it regularly. It makes the act of reading authentic and applicable to the real world. It’s also okay to discuss how you do and even do not want to grow as a reader, but then turn toward the hopes and dreams you have for that child when it comes to growing as a reader.
Converse to Connect: Do not be afraid to participate in conversations about reading even if this is not an area of expertise for you. Adopt the posture of listening and asking questions instead. Ask children to tell you about what they are reading. It’s okay to admit you’re unfamiliar with that book or genre, and then ask them to tell you more. Ask clarifying questions as they speak. All you have to do is appear engaged. Let them be the expert, so you can be the learner. Even ask them to convince you why you should become a reader.
Stay Informed: Talk with a wide-variety of people about what they are reading. Again, you can enter these conversations as an inquisitor and listener. Ask questions without feeling the need to contribute what you are currently reading. Listen to podcasts or peruse lists that talk about trending books. Every so often swing by a bookstore or library to check out the displays of what’s hot. If you are encouraging a young reader, this is especially important, so you can help recommend books. You don’t have to have read the book to recommend it. You can say you saw it on a list, and it looked good. While you might not be modeling reading for pleasure, you are still modeling where children can go to learn about next-reads.
Seek Support: As with any aspect of childrearing, it takes a village. Lean on the book-lovers in your life to help you raise a reader. That could be another family member, but it could be a community member, too. Maybe it’s a teacher, a librarian, a neighbor, a colleague, or a person in your religious community. Find a book buddy– whether that’s for yourself to stay informed or for the children in your life.
Sit & Share: Carve out time to just sit with children and listen to them read. You can share in the reading experience without having to read yourself. All you have to do is be present. You don’t have to say a thing. You can even daydream a bit, but I bet you will soon find yourself immersed in the story, laughing, asking questions, discussing a concept the child does not understand or helping the child decode a word. Even if you find yourself not knowing an answer, fall back on transparency. Admit it, and then model for the child on how to go about finding the answers. Activate Alexa with a question, or pull out the phone to conduct a Google search.
Create Structure: Find ways to make reading a priority. See my article #6 “The Radical Act of Raising A Reader” for suggestions on how to do that. Many of those steps are something that can be implemented whether you identify yourself as a reader or not.
Take Steps Toward Becoming A Reader: Sometimes for non-readers, getting a child to read becomes more of a “do as I say, not as I do” experience. That can be effective in its own right. My “non-reading” parent always joked about this and would then go on to explain why I should be a reader despite my parent’s ways, but modeling reading for a child is probably more effective. As adults, we make a lot of sacrifices for children, so consider becoming a reader when you’ve never been much of one as a sacrifice worth making. Start small. Ask people to help you find books that might engage you. Dedicate 5-10 minutes a day toward reading, and build from there. Listen to audiobooks in the car, on your lunch break, while exercising or in the midst of housekeeping. Consider reading children’s books and young adult novels. They tend to be shorter, more accessible, and are in fact quite engaging.
Throughout this process, if you end up going from a non-reader to a reader, that will be quite an inspiring story to tell a child. If you don’t, give yourself grace. There are still many ways you can help build a reading culture for the generation that follows. Whatever you can do will still have a positive effect in the right direction.
And that’s just one more way we can make reading fun, so let’s stop hiding it, and make it Visible. Vital. Valued– together.
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