Susan McCoy I Author of Heart Root

Your Voice is Music to My Ears

“Our culture changes at an astounding velocity, so we must change or pay a price for remaining the same. “   (Edmundson, Mark.  Why Read?)

Change is constant and to understand, analyze and evaluate, what is behind the current reality, we have to read.  Recently, a friend mentioned that her son hated to read.  This did not surprise me.  Each semester during my career as teacher/librarian, I would ask students what their favorite school activity was.  More than half ranked reading at the bottom. 

During our discussion, my friend asked if I had any advice for her son. 

 ‘Why don’t you read to him?’ I suggested.
‘Shouldn’t he be responsible for reading alone?  He is a teenager.’

Not necessarily, reading should be fun, an active curiosity about what we enjoy.  Teens have been told what they 'have' to read for so long throughout their schooling that many have shut down.  One way to capture their attention is to read to them.

There are several other benefits to reading aloud.  People enjoy being read to.  This experience is similar to listening to music.  Historically, there is an oral storytelling tradition; we are captivated by narration.  In the past, families gathered around the fire and entertained each other with tales of adventure.  Not a bad idea, throw a log in the fireplace, and create a mood on a dark, cold night.  With the perfect book in hand, read out loud.  We don't have to dig up the habits of our ancestors to make this point though, consider the popularity of audio books, video, and music.  We are internally wired to listen to cool stuff.  Why not be the voice that your teen enjoys hearing?

Reading aloud engages both the reader and the listener in the written word.  Be prepared for potentially amazing conversations.  A meeting together that has meaning unlike the following deep conversation that I am sure you have had:
‘How was school?’ 
‘ Fine.’
Sound familiar?  There is nowhere to go from that closed dialogue.  Reading side by side will give you better options.

Teens are busy; finding time to read and contemplate is not at the top of their activity list.  As my grandchildren move into the teens, I have to admit that it is difficult to experience meaningful, reflective moments with them.  Reading together can break through this barrier. 

The hook is to select a book that is extremely interesting to them.  Find an author that writes in language that will captivate a young mind.  This should not be ‘teaching a lesson’ time. Your teen will learn something but it should evolve within them from the images in their mind's eye; this is subtle.  No matter what topic they are attracted to, I can almost guarantee a magazine or book addresses that material. 

Reading is like any skill.  Here is an example:  I may want to play the piano; I may envision myself seated at the keyboard charming an audience with my artistic performance; but, if I do not practice, playing is not going to happen.  Reading is the same.  Find a book that excites them.  If you begin the reading, and the book is the 'right' one, the teen will be motivated to continue.  Trust me on this, those who hate to read think that there is nothing in a book for them.  Once enticed, they may be grabbing the text from your hands.  Maybe that's taking this too far, the grabbing, but they will be stilled, enchanted and listen.

What if they totally raise their backside in a huff?  No way; we are not reading!  Ask your teen if she thinks that all of her teachers are brilliant?  (Keep your tone smooth, calm, nonjudgmental.)  She’ll look at you with suspicion thinking that certainly you are daft for asking.  Be quiet.  Let her be the first to speak.  Believe me, the answer will be a resounding:  ‘No.’

Of course, not.  You can honestly agree with her assessment from your own educational experience. 

If students do not learn to actively select their own reading they are doomed to know only ‘what has been said to them’.  They have admitted that all teachers are not brilliant.  Suggest that you'll find an expert for them on any topic.  If they like skateboarding, read a book written by Tony Hawk.  If they like carburetors, read together about the design and how to reassemble.   The most talented people in any field write about their subject.  If you have a local bookstore, they will help you.  And, the library is free.  Try asking there and be surprised with how helpful a librarian can be.

Reading is an opportunity to explore what the genius on a particular subject has to say.  Reading lets us get the full account – both sides are published on any current trend or news story.  This search will not take too long on the internet.  Examine the credentials of the writer, the point of view – who they may be working for, and then… explore.

There are a couple of reasons to consider a book selection over a magazine choice.   A book takes longer to write.  The information has been scrutinized and has withstood ‘the test of time’; having said that, if the subject is cutting edge, a magazine may be the best choice.

 Ask your teen to try once with you...make sure you KNOW what they are drawn to. Buy the book (or go to your library) and schedule time to read together at home.  If you are at a loss, get the book that the last movie your teen raved about was based on. You will be pleasantly surprised at how receptive they are when the topic is their choice.

I am a reading advocate.  Most of my mentors have been people that I have not met personally; our intimate relationship, the author with me, has developed over time through language.  Reading has changed me for the better.
At this holiday time, give the gift of your time.  Read-aloud-time.  So, light the fire, supply their favorite snack, and give a memory that will not be forgotten.