Reading in the Cyber Age: Getting Teens Wired to Read!

Though librarians design activities to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading, the reality is that students have many demands and distractions in their busy lives, such as school, work, television, the Internet, and video games. This has led students to expect quick bytes and to develop a "fast food" mentality for entertainment needs. Unfortunately, reading does not fit that bill. So, how do we entice students into the habit of reading for pleasure? One way is to connect students' love of technology with the joy of reading. A home page's interactive and multimedia features make it a perfect vehicle for reading promotion that can engage and excite students. Display an icon for Chapter A Day on the index of your home page, and promote it through your school's daily announcements, library newsletters, and e-mail to students. Remind your students that other students in their school as well as students worldwide will see and use their reviews, so they should proofread for spelling and grammar before submission.