Table Talk

Kids are more likely to read in homes where family members talk about books. With some teens and tweens, this takes a little encouragement.  Perhaps you've experienced a scintillating conversation like this one:

     Mom:  Hey, I noticed that you are reading [insert book title here].  How is it?
     Son:   Fine. [insert silent pause here]
     Mom:  Do you like it?
     Son:  Yes. [insert silent pause here]
     Mom:  So, what do you like about it?
     Son:  I don't know. [insert silent pause here]

If this sounds familiar to you, you're not alone.  Certainly, some questions encourage a better discussion than others.  Here are some possible dinner-table questions to start some interesting discussions (and possibly some heated debates.)

Would you rather go to Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood?  Have you daydreamed about spending a day in Chewinswallow from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? 



A lot of kids today read books that are part of a series and many include the classic cliffhanger ending.  Do you love this or hate this?  If you have to wait for the next book to come out does it make you enjoy it more or does the anticipation ever make the next book a disappointment?

Is the movie ever as good as the book? What makes it good or bad?  The music? The animation? Who plays the characters? Might you want to skip a movie because you love the book so much?  Are there movies that can be appreciated even if they are completely different from the book?  Is there a book that you think would make a good movie that has been overlooked? 


Again, is it he-who-must-not-be-named or Hades? Sauron? Darth Vader?  Maybe it isn't a guy afterall?  The wicked step-mother? The White Witch?  What about someone who starts off as the "bad" guy, but you change your mind by the end?  (Mr. Darcy, anyone?)


Why?  What qualities or talents or experiences do you have in common?  What differences are there?  Would you like to be their friend? 




Post a comment below and share your own family's tips, tricks, and mishaps in talking about books.

"What if your kids don't like to read?" (by Mrs. Jenni)

Reading has been a wonderful part of my life for a long time.  As a teacher, I also know how vital reading is when it comes to learning.  I have always tried to instill a love of reading in each of my students.  One of my favorite challenges is to play matchmaker with students and books.  When a student knows a book recommendation is specifically for them from someone who cares about them it goes a long way towards helping them read the book.  How exciting when they realize how awesome reading can be!

This challenge became very personal for me several years ago when I married a man with two beautiful daughters, aged 8 and 11 at the time. Neither of the girls read much.  My oldest described herself as a "big couch potato who watched lots of TV."  Reading was a struggle and certainly not something that they did at home for fun. I was hopeful that this could change.

 That was almost three years ago and I've seen big changes since then.  My oldest daughter now loves reading. She reads on her own constantly.  We read books together as a family and we are constantly talking about what we're reading.  We make recommendations to each other about good books.  Getting to this place took work, love, and patience. 

My younger daughter hasn't fallen in love with reading yet, but we haven't given up.  Even though she doesn't enjoy reading on her own she loves the family books that we read together.

Here are some ideas that made a difference for our family; hopefully they can help you too.

• We read books together as a family
• We got a big bookshelf full of books
• We gave books as gifts
• We made trips to the bookstore as a reward
• We talked about books at the dinner table and in the car
• We made a few rules to establish some balance -- equal screen time and book time
• We didn't give up!!

Overall, we find ways to make reading at home fun, meaningful, and relaxing.

(Soon I'll post a few book lists for the reluctant reader and some tips for helping your child to find books that are best for them.)