- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Between the Lines
Reading with Preteens
By Teri Brown
Though her daughter enjoys the social aspect of book clubs, Orr believes that it has been a struggle for her because she is a late reader. "Many of these books (several are considered adult novels) are too difficult for her to easily read and understand," says Orr.
In order to avoid this, keep the books easy to read – not dumbed down, as an exciting story is a must. Reading the books fluently is necessary for enjoyment. If a child spends too much time deciphering, all the fun is gone. Err on the side of too easy rather than too difficult.
Getting the group together and choosing a book is only half the battle. The discussion part of the book club must have some structure. Allow the children to go off on tangents, but you will occasionally need to bring them back on track. The most important thing to remember when putting together questions for discussion is to avoid those questions that can be answered with a yes or no.
Ask the children about motives. Why did a character do what she did? What do the character details – such as the foods he likes or the clothes he wears – tell about the character?
Th following tips can ensure that your tween's reading club gets off to a good start and runs smoothly: