Learning at home: Adolescent fiction on Anxiety and Perseverance

"There is no more pleasing picture than that of a child peering into a book: the past and future entrancing one another”.

Students have and will have a welter of Google Classroom notifications about classwork. It is important to keep a routine of learning experiences. However, there will be times when your child will need exercise and other activities that refresh the mind. Reading fiction is one such vital activity.

Parents have a critical role here even in the teenage years. In our world, reading is more important than ever.

 What you can do at home

• Involve children in everyday conversations with you. Shared conversation on your favourite book as a child.
• Read aloud with them. Shared reading used to be common. My children were nearly 16 when one of them said, “OK, dad, that’s enough”.
• Ensure that there is a wide range of reading material at home, both fiction and non-fiction.
• Try not to let Netflix, TV intrude on quality reading time. Find a place to read away from distractions.
• Give books as treats and presents. Why not? It could be the book that sets them on a lifetime journey of enjoyment.

Hints for listening to your child read

• Before reading, talk about the cover, the blurb or illustrations to discuss what the book might be about. It could open an avenue of conversation.
• Some prediction exercises. What might happen next in the story?
• Take turns to read. It helps build up confidence for school.
• When you come across an unfamiliar word pause to give your child time to work out the meaning.
• Prompt with a sound or first letter. Ask, “Does this make sense?”
• Praise your child for trying even if they stumble over some words.

What to read and Do

• Tell and re-tell stories of all kinds. Fairy tales, movie plots, news, and particularly, family history.
• Let your child see you enjoy reading.
• During this time of remote learning, there are virtual libraries with huge catalogues.
• Order a recommended book online.

Some suggestions for adolescent fiction on Anxiety and dealing with problems

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughtear

We are Liars by E. Lockhart

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Find reviews of these novels on Google and choose something that interests your child.

These have been difficult times. I believe that not only is fiction a great escape from the stresses of our present predicament but it also allows us to see, as readers, that others out there have doubts, fears, apprehensions. CS Lewis, the author of the Narnia series once wrote:

“We read to know that we are not alone.” He is right.

If you have any comments or suggestions, I would appreciate your feedback.

Paul Cullen
Paul.cullen@cg.catholic.edu.au