Reading has proven to be beneficial for children of all ages, especially when it comes to academic performance and problem solving. Kids who read are more likely to understand abstract concepts, empathize with others, and think outside the box. Keeping kids interested in reading can be quite tricky, especially if your child happens to be an advanced reader. Just because a child is good at reading does not mean that they won’t get bored. While other children struggle with reading, advanced readers may find themselves bored or uninterested in books because they are ahead of the curve. As a parent with an advanced reader, you can keep your child’s interest in reading piqued by accommodating their proficiency and inspiring their imagination.
Finding Appropriate Books
For children who read at or below their age or grade level, finding the right books for them is easy. Children who are advanced readers often find themselves bored with titles that are aimed at their grade or age, and may have difficulty finding something they like. This can be tricky, especially since some advanced books may challenge your child as a reader but may not have age-appropriate material. Make sure you do some research before providing your child with a list of new books to check out, or accompany them as they comb the library or bookstore. Some advanced books may be appropriate, but since the next level up from grade level books might foray in teen and young adult books, make sure you look at the content beforehand since they may include darker and more adult themes that kids may not be emotionally ready for. Consult your child’s teacher or ask a librarian for some suggestions if you’re hard pressed for an appropriate reading challenge.
Turning the Tables
If you’re young reader can’t find anything they like, or if they are looking for something in particular but can’t find it, encourage them to write their own stories! Writing can help boost comprehension and communication skills just as much as reading can. If your child yearns for a certain kind of story, help them write it. Ask them what kind of book they would like to read and why, and use their answers to help them get started crafting a story of their own. They may discover a love for writing and storytelling as well as for reading and discovery that could last a lifetime.
Get Creative
If your child isn’t feeling challenged enough by their reading material, think outside the box. We offer plenty of personalized books, that put your child right in the center of the action, sending them along on an adventure with their favorite characters. Not only are personalized books fun, but they make a great gift for a kid who has read every other book – and their own personalized book is sure to be the most unique book they own or read all year! There are also plenty of interactive reading apps or storytelling games that children can pick up and play too. These apps or games should incorporate reading and some also implement animation, problem-solving games and other fun aspects that make the act of reading more interesting and entertaining as well.