Encouraging reading in 11-14 year olds

·  Encourage your child to read a wide range of fiction based on what they have enjoyed reading previously or what their interests are. At school they will read pre 1914 literature, Shakespeare plays and world literature as well as short stories, dramas and poetry. Being exposed to these regularly and in a way that feels comfortable to them will help them to access these texts more easily in an educational context. There are many adaptations and versions of classic texts that can be easier to access than the originals and help to build confidence.

·  If your child likes writing stories, encourage them to write ‘fan fiction’ about the characters in books they have enjoyed. 

·  Myths, fairy tales and religious texts all have had a strong influence over English literature and many children’s books and young adult novels deal with similar themes and concepts; this can be an easy way to gain the kind of contextual knowledge that can really help take their understanding of texts they study at school to a deeper level. 

·  Develop reading lists together based on genres, authors and topics that engage your child. You can create reading challenges that are tied to rewards, or even have an at home book club, where members of the family read the same book and discuss it once they are all finished.