You may have read my last blog about empowering youth to take calculated risks. One way to improve critical thinking skills and to encourage calculated risk taking is through reading regularly.
Reading is preparation for the future. We cannot put a price tag on the value of a quality education. No child can be properly education without becoming a good reader. Poor reading skills usually results in low grades and may lead to low self esteem. Reading opens up new worlds and new possibilities. A book allows youth to escape their current situation and imagine a brighter tomorrow. Youth become more aware of their worlds and their potential simply by reading.
Many youth in the foster care system are struggling academically whether because of interruptions in the education caused by displacement, unidentified learning disabilities, psychological issues, or not receiving the support and attention they need to progress. It is never too late to improve reading skills, however. The number one way to encourage the youth in your life to read is to lead by example – let them see you read. I also encourage you to read with teens (they may protest at first but usually come around). Another way to improve reading skills is to play games that require reading. Writing is also essential. Journaling or creating original commercials, plays, poetry or songs are also recommended.
Books are great for every occasion – trip to the doctor, birthday, report card time, Christmas, adoption, reunification, graduation, new job…I could go on and on. Reading should not be strictly academic. Make reading fun. Encourage your teens to read things that interest them. If your teen is interested in cars then let them read about cars. If the latest movie began as a book then encourage them to read the book. Don’t forget about technology — ebooks and audio books are also great options for struggling readers.
Books are not the only reading options available. You can also encourage your teen to read:
- Newspapers
- Poetry
- Song lyrics
- Magazines
- Recipes
- Bios of famous people
- Street signs
- Maps
I am going to end this blog by recommending the book “50 Jobs In 50 States: One Man’s Journey of Discovery Across America” by Daniel Seddiqui.
This book exemplifies the power of taking calculated risks and the notion that “The World Is Your Classroom”. Adventure, purpose, relationships, and a new career path were some of the awesome results.
