There's something about holding a paper book. I don't know what it is but it beats my Kindle every time. My students (middle school) say the same thing.
That’s interesting (and encouraging!) to hear it’s the same for your students! I get the sense that young people—despite often being addicted to their devices—are also looking for excuses to get away from them. To be forced into not using them. That’s why live experiences have made such a comeback post-Covid. And why young people are a very enthusiastic audience for going to the cinema, where they know they’re not supposed to be on their phones. Does that track with your experience around middle schoolers?
My wife and I did pretty much everything you mention here. And then SnapChat entered the picture and completely f’ed it all up. I’m all for a total social media ban for kids…until they are at least 16.
I know some other countries are moving in that direction. Has there been any discussion of it in Germany?
I haven’t heard anything about a potential ban for minors here. Although it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Germany did that kind of thing. Hopefully soon. Our older daughter is 7. Won’t be long before some of her friends start getting phones. 😬
Yeah that’s the problem. They’d all be fine without them…but once others have them it kinda makes it hard on your kid socially when it comes to staying connected
This advice is so spot on...perfect. Not a thing I'd quibble with.
Though having said that...(ha!) I'm not quite as dedicated to an actual book. I will occasionally read my Kindle with my daughter (we read all 3 parts of Area 52 on it!), but I always tell her what I'm reading and she frequently asks (often it's Substack posts, and I'll tell her the author and roughly what it's about).
I love the reading WITH idea, this is something we do regularly.
I fear I made a mistake, however, with getting her a tablet (the kids kindle). It was meant for books and 'educational games' (haha, wishful thinking), but the allure of that is proving a challenge, especially during the summer months where I'm trying to 'work' (reading Substack posts, writing silly notes or working my latest book) and I might be lost in a chapter and suddenly an hour has passed when I told her she could have 15 minutes on the wretched thing.
One recent development I'm loving - she's obsessed with getting the free daily newspapers outside metro stations, there are two different ones, both in German, and she's glued to those now, telling me about local news. Nothing delights a cranky old father more than a child who loves good ol' fashioned newspapers (next project: the weekend Financial Times 😂)
You’re the second person in the comments who brought up the benefits of a kindle, so maybe I’ll have to rethink my views on that one. For me it’s mostly about perception. If all they see is daddy staring at a device, it’s sending a message (devices = good, books = lame and boring). But if they’re sophisticated enough to know what the kindle actually is for (reading smut about dragon-riders who bang) then it’s ok. Especially for us expats who want to read English books in foreign countries.
That’s hilarious that your daughter is into those free metro papers. I haven’t looked at one of those things in ages.
Okay okay, Lee we get it now - there's no shame in reading smut about dragon riders who bang, we all have our weaknesses. I'm honest and forthright with my daughter about what I'm reading on my Kindle.
'What are you reading, daddy?'
'Nothing terribly interesting, it's EFL erotica about a language teacher named Richard (Dick) Tongue who travels to far flung destinations performing punnilingus on his students'
These are great tips. I have three kids—one is a voracious reader. I haven’t given up on the other two. 😉
We moved abroad but sadly my many, many books were not able to come with us. My kids and I miss our bookshelves. But, we are thankful for our e-readers right now as we slowly begin to collect physical books. I love reading books to my kids and they’ve always enjoyed it as well. It’s made for some special memories.
That’s wonderful! We live in Germany and English books are hard to come by, so I totally get the benefit of e-readers. And audiobooks, which our kids love.
Ultimately the format is less important than the fact that they’re reading.
In a 5 child family where reading was prominent, some of us read lots, but all of us became involved with books and/or teaching as our occupations in life. Some of us write songs, stories, promotional or informational text. It remained with us. I think creating an environment of reading as normal, books as normal, not clutter to be taken away or hidden, becomes part of who you are.
Absolutely! Reading shouldn’t be an assignment or a chore. It should be entertaining. And the best way to do that, I think, is just by having books (and other printed material) around. Within reach. Making it a part of daily life.
Reading this is not only for my future child but also for myself. I put myself in a kid's shoes and imagining how fun it must be to have the easy-access reading surrounding. And it'll be a lot more fun if my parents join me to read together. Monkey sees monkey do.
All good advice! I used to do silent reading parties with my girls. I’d make tea and put out snacks and we’d all sit on the couch reading our books. So fun.
That’s so sweet! Reminds me of something our 7yo has been doing. Over the past school year she would bring home reading homework every day. Her lovely first grade teacher advised the class to make their parents a cup of tea and get cozy on the couch before reading the assigned text to us. Adorable!
Lots of good points! I agree that modeling reading doesn't get the attention it deserves. But we love out e-ink e-readers and found them to be no problem at all here. Our kids could easily see the walls of black and white text we were reading on them. And as they've gotten older, we've gotten more relaxed about letting them see us on our computers too. We use them to read long form text and code and such, and I think that modeling matters too. But when they ask for our attention we give it to them happily and immediately, whether we're reading a book or doing something on a computer (unless we're in a meeting or doing something urgent, which we tell them about ahead of time). This might be the kind of modeling I feel most strongly about.
These are all great points, Becky! You’re not the first person who’s pushed back (very politely) on the issue of e-readers. I’ve officially been converted on that one.
Such a fun read! Reading with someone is the best. I love taking our boys on coffee dates where we each bring a book. I remember what I am reading on a paper book better. I still read on my phone, but my retention is not as good.
I wonder if there’s research about retention rates when reading on paper vs. screen. I never read fiction on my phone, but I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I definitely retain less that way. When I’m reading, it’s the sole focus. When I’m listening, I’m always doing something else. Usually jogging. The book has to compete with that other activity.
Thanks, Michelle! I can totally understand how many kids nowadays have to be forced to read. If I were a kid now, with all the amazing entertainment and distractions at my fingertips that they have, I might not be as drawn to reading either.
Both my parents were readers. Of the six kids, I was—and still am— the most voracious and have the most eclectic taste in reading.
Two things I learned early:
*I could get out of almost any chore for a goodly amount of time by whining “just let me finish this chapter!”
*Several paragraphs could be read during commercial breaks.
Seriously, though, boredom is another spur to encourage reading. Reading takes time and many children are over scheduled. Make sure your child has an uninterrupted block of time to eead and let their imagination roam.
This is something my wife and I think about a lot. Our older daughter is reaching the age in which there are more and more possibilities to schedule activities. Music classes. Sports. Extracurriculars. We try not to commit to too much, but it can be a challenge sometimes.
Thank you, and I second every tip you presented--did them all and my son, 19, has always been and still is a voracious reader. Although he still loves physical books, he'll also read a book on his phone; it's one of those that's a million words long from someone he saw on YouTube, and it's only a digital version. Hey, I'll take it!
Interesting. I think for young men especially, reading unconventional books (online novels, Reddit short stories, substack fiction) on the phone is pretty common. There’s a lot of good stuff out there. A lot of which doesn’t land on the radar of traditional publishers, but really appeals to young men. However he’s reading, I’m glad your son is finding stuff he enjoys.
There's something about holding a paper book. I don't know what it is but it beats my Kindle every time. My students (middle school) say the same thing.
That’s interesting (and encouraging!) to hear it’s the same for your students! I get the sense that young people—despite often being addicted to their devices—are also looking for excuses to get away from them. To be forced into not using them. That’s why live experiences have made such a comeback post-Covid. And why young people are a very enthusiastic audience for going to the cinema, where they know they’re not supposed to be on their phones. Does that track with your experience around middle schoolers?
Absolutely!
This was fun as usual!
My wife and I did pretty much everything you mention here. And then SnapChat entered the picture and completely f’ed it all up. I’m all for a total social media ban for kids…until they are at least 16.
I know some other countries are moving in that direction. Has there been any discussion of it in Germany?
I’m with you! Ban it!
I haven’t heard anything about a potential ban for minors here. Although it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Germany did that kind of thing. Hopefully soon. Our older daughter is 7. Won’t be long before some of her friends start getting phones. 😬
Yeah that’s the problem. They’d all be fine without them…but once others have them it kinda makes it hard on your kid socially when it comes to staying connected
This advice is so spot on...perfect. Not a thing I'd quibble with.
Though having said that...(ha!) I'm not quite as dedicated to an actual book. I will occasionally read my Kindle with my daughter (we read all 3 parts of Area 52 on it!), but I always tell her what I'm reading and she frequently asks (often it's Substack posts, and I'll tell her the author and roughly what it's about).
I love the reading WITH idea, this is something we do regularly.
I fear I made a mistake, however, with getting her a tablet (the kids kindle). It was meant for books and 'educational games' (haha, wishful thinking), but the allure of that is proving a challenge, especially during the summer months where I'm trying to 'work' (reading Substack posts, writing silly notes or working my latest book) and I might be lost in a chapter and suddenly an hour has passed when I told her she could have 15 minutes on the wretched thing.
One recent development I'm loving - she's obsessed with getting the free daily newspapers outside metro stations, there are two different ones, both in German, and she's glued to those now, telling me about local news. Nothing delights a cranky old father more than a child who loves good ol' fashioned newspapers (next project: the weekend Financial Times 😂)
You’re the second person in the comments who brought up the benefits of a kindle, so maybe I’ll have to rethink my views on that one. For me it’s mostly about perception. If all they see is daddy staring at a device, it’s sending a message (devices = good, books = lame and boring). But if they’re sophisticated enough to know what the kindle actually is for (reading smut about dragon-riders who bang) then it’s ok. Especially for us expats who want to read English books in foreign countries.
That’s hilarious that your daughter is into those free metro papers. I haven’t looked at one of those things in ages.
Okay okay, Lee we get it now - there's no shame in reading smut about dragon riders who bang, we all have our weaknesses. I'm honest and forthright with my daughter about what I'm reading on my Kindle.
'What are you reading, daddy?'
'Nothing terribly interesting, it's EFL erotica about a language teacher named Richard (Dick) Tongue who travels to far flung destinations performing punnilingus on his students'
Sounds like an instant bestseller!
These are great tips. I have three kids—one is a voracious reader. I haven’t given up on the other two. 😉
We moved abroad but sadly my many, many books were not able to come with us. My kids and I miss our bookshelves. But, we are thankful for our e-readers right now as we slowly begin to collect physical books. I love reading books to my kids and they’ve always enjoyed it as well. It’s made for some special memories.
That’s wonderful! We live in Germany and English books are hard to come by, so I totally get the benefit of e-readers. And audiobooks, which our kids love.
Ultimately the format is less important than the fact that they’re reading.
In a 5 child family where reading was prominent, some of us read lots, but all of us became involved with books and/or teaching as our occupations in life. Some of us write songs, stories, promotional or informational text. It remained with us. I think creating an environment of reading as normal, books as normal, not clutter to be taken away or hidden, becomes part of who you are.
Absolutely! Reading shouldn’t be an assignment or a chore. It should be entertaining. And the best way to do that, I think, is just by having books (and other printed material) around. Within reach. Making it a part of daily life.
Reading this is not only for my future child but also for myself. I put myself in a kid's shoes and imagining how fun it must be to have the easy-access reading surrounding. And it'll be a lot more fun if my parents join me to read together. Monkey sees monkey do.
That’s a great approach!
All good advice! I used to do silent reading parties with my girls. I’d make tea and put out snacks and we’d all sit on the couch reading our books. So fun.
That’s so sweet! Reminds me of something our 7yo has been doing. Over the past school year she would bring home reading homework every day. Her lovely first grade teacher advised the class to make their parents a cup of tea and get cozy on the couch before reading the assigned text to us. Adorable!
Aww, I love that!
Lots of good points! I agree that modeling reading doesn't get the attention it deserves. But we love out e-ink e-readers and found them to be no problem at all here. Our kids could easily see the walls of black and white text we were reading on them. And as they've gotten older, we've gotten more relaxed about letting them see us on our computers too. We use them to read long form text and code and such, and I think that modeling matters too. But when they ask for our attention we give it to them happily and immediately, whether we're reading a book or doing something on a computer (unless we're in a meeting or doing something urgent, which we tell them about ahead of time). This might be the kind of modeling I feel most strongly about.
These are all great points, Becky! You’re not the first person who’s pushed back (very politely) on the issue of e-readers. I’ve officially been converted on that one.
Such a fun read! Reading with someone is the best. I love taking our boys on coffee dates where we each bring a book. I remember what I am reading on a paper book better. I still read on my phone, but my retention is not as good.
Cafe book dates with your kids—the best!
I wonder if there’s research about retention rates when reading on paper vs. screen. I never read fiction on my phone, but I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I definitely retain less that way. When I’m reading, it’s the sole focus. When I’m listening, I’m always doing something else. Usually jogging. The book has to compete with that other activity.
Turns out we are on to something! https://oxfordlearning.com/screen-vs-paper-which-one-boosts-reading-comprehension/
Good advice and reminders! I read with and too my kid but I still have yo force him.🤷♀️
Thanks, Michelle! I can totally understand how many kids nowadays have to be forced to read. If I were a kid now, with all the amazing entertainment and distractions at my fingertips that they have, I might not be as drawn to reading either.
Amen. Amen. Amen. AMEN brotha. Thank you, Lee.
😊
Both my parents were readers. Of the six kids, I was—and still am— the most voracious and have the most eclectic taste in reading.
Two things I learned early:
*I could get out of almost any chore for a goodly amount of time by whining “just let me finish this chapter!”
*Several paragraphs could be read during commercial breaks.
Seriously, though, boredom is another spur to encourage reading. Reading takes time and many children are over scheduled. Make sure your child has an uninterrupted block of time to eead and let their imagination roam.
Such a great point!!!
This is something my wife and I think about a lot. Our older daughter is reaching the age in which there are more and more possibilities to schedule activities. Music classes. Sports. Extracurriculars. We try not to commit to too much, but it can be a challenge sometimes.
Thank you, and I second every tip you presented--did them all and my son, 19, has always been and still is a voracious reader. Although he still loves physical books, he'll also read a book on his phone; it's one of those that's a million words long from someone he saw on YouTube, and it's only a digital version. Hey, I'll take it!
Interesting. I think for young men especially, reading unconventional books (online novels, Reddit short stories, substack fiction) on the phone is pretty common. There’s a lot of good stuff out there. A lot of which doesn’t land on the radar of traditional publishers, but really appeals to young men. However he’s reading, I’m glad your son is finding stuff he enjoys.
Yes! It's definitely not "my jam" as his GenX mom, but the main thing is he's reading.