Encouraging older kids to keep reading isn’t just about helping them pass their next test. It’s about setting them up for lifelong success. Research shows that consistent reading in the tween and teen years boosts academic performance, sharpens critical thinking skills, and enhances emotional intelligence. It also builds habits that can lead to a lifelong love of reading.
But let’s face it—keeping older students engaged with books is easier said than done. Reading often gets pushed to the back burner between social media, video games, sports, extracurriculars, and the ever-growing pull of their devices. Librarians and educators face the challenge of creating compelling reasons for students to prioritize reading amid a sea of distractions.
Why It’s Tough to Keep Older Kids Reading
The middle and high school years come with unique challenges:
- Busy Schedules: Sports, clubs, part-time jobs, and other activities leave little time for leisure reading.
- Peer Influence: Teens may feel that reading isn’t “cool” or doesn’t align with their social image.
- Competing Entertainment: Social media, streaming platforms, and gaming offer instant gratification that can overshadow the slower reward of reading.
- Academic Pressure: Homework and required reading lists can make reading feel like a chore rather than a choice.
These hurdles are real, but they’re not insurmountable. The key is to make reading fun and purposeful.
Making Reading Fun: Ideas That Work
Here are some strategies to reignite a love for reading and foster a culture of literacy among older students:
Twin Rivers Middle School in Georgia celebrates readers who completed their Hallow-Read challenge
1. Reading Challenges and Competitions
Gamify reading to capture students’ attention and keep them motivated. Use challenges that reward students for meeting goals, such as reading a certain number of books, exploring new genres, or completing monthly themes. Beanstack makes this easy with customizable challenges and tools that track progress, celebrate achievements, and spark friendly competition between peers or classes.
2. Book Clubs That Fit Their Interests
Book clubs can give students a reason to read—and a place to connect with peers over shared interests. The key is to let students take the lead. Encourage them to select books, set discussion topics, and even invite local authors to participate. Use Beanstack to organize virtual or in-person book club challenges and track group reading progress.
3. Book Swap Events
Host a book swap where students can trade books they’ve already read for new ones. These events turn reading into a social experience and allow students to discover books they might not have picked otherwise. Add a fun twist by creating a “blind date with a book” station, where students choose wrapped books based on a short description.
Student book review on display at Stewarts Creek Middle School in Tennessee.
4. Student Book Reviews
Encourage students to share their opinions by writing or recording book reviews. Create a display in the library or a dedicated section on your school’s website to highlight them. Beanstack’s review feature allows students to communicate their thoughts on what they’ve read, promoting reflective and critical thinking skills.
Bulletin board from Dutchman Creek Middle School in South Carolina highlighting their One Book, One School Program
5. One Book, One School Programs
Unite the entire school around a single book to create a shared reading experience. Choose a title that resonates with students and organize activities like discussion groups, trivia contests, or creative projects tied to the book’s themes. Programs like these foster a sense of community and make reading a collective adventure. Beanstack’s tools can help track participation and celebrate milestones along the way.
Looking for more inspiration? Download our infographic: 16 Ways to Keep Teens Engaged With Reading.
A Fun Approach Makes All the Difference
Older students are more likely to stick with reading when it becomes a source of joy rather than a requirement. That’s why it’s crucial to incorporate creativity, choice, and recognition into your reading programs. Tools like Beanstack are designed to help librarians and educators achieve this balance, offering a platform that combines gamification, engagement tracking, and customizable challenges to fit every need.
Discover More Ideas
Ready to dive into even more ways to inspire older kids to read? Check out our infographic, “16 Ways to Engage Teen Readers,” for fresh ideas that can work in your school or library, or contact our team.
By meeting older students where they are and offering experiences that resonate with their interests, you can transform reading into a habit they’ll carry well beyond their school years.