«Reading should be enjoyable, not a compulsory exercise»
Ms Roth, summer holiday time is reading time for many adults - how do we get children interested in reading?
The foundation for this is laid at an early age: Reading aloud to young children introduces them to language, but also to stories that stimulate their imagination and make them want to read for themselves. But not every child who is read to becomes a bookworm. One thing is certain: motivation comes from enthusiasm for a subject.
Children should therefore choose their own reading material and adults should not judge their choices. We can help them to find suitable reading material if we listen to children in general and approach their topics with interest. It is also important not to overwhelm them. Too much text, small font sizes, no pictures: All of this can put first-time readers off.
Is it okay to force children to read on holiday if they are behind in their reading?
I would advise against this. You can save compulsory exercises for times when homework requires them. Reading at home should be something enjoyable. I wouldn't reward children for it either, because this suggests that reading is work.
Anyone who is not receptive to reading can be read to. It even inspires young people.
But perhaps during the holidays you consciously make time for shared reading moments in which everyone picks up a book. Some children like it when they can talk about their reading afterwards. If they are not receptive to this, you can read to them instead. Even teenagers enjoy this as part of a relaxing ritual.
Do you have any other tips for bookworms?
Some are more receptive to recommendations from peers and role models. Social media can be a very helpful resource for young people. On Tiktok, young adults present books under the hashtag #booktok and inspire their community to read.
I don't want to delegate reading promotion to digital channels, but it's worth taking a look together. Some children find it easier to start reading through comics and graphic novels, which are currently booming. Films can also whet the appetite for more: countless popular youth book series such as «The Three Question Marks» have been made into films. If children enjoy the content, there are plenty more for them to read themselves.
