How to Motivate Students to Read at Home

Does your teen shy away from reading because it feels like a chore? Do they worry about challenging books—or struggle to find the motivation to start reading at all?

You’re not alone, and the good news is, you can help!

Building your teen’s confidence and motivation to read doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With just a few simple actions, you can help them enjoy reading—and feel good about it, too. Here are five practical ways to get started today.

1. Expand Their Idea of What “Reading” Means

For many teens, reading feels like something they “have” to do at school, and that mindset can kill motivation fast.
Remind your teen that reading can take many forms: blog posts, news articles, graphic novels, poetry, or even magazines.

These materials are often more approachable and interesting than traditional novels, and they can still sharpen reading skills. The goal is to show your teen that reading is part of everyday life—not just a homework assignment.

2. Let Them Choose What to Read

Teens are more motivated when they feel in control of their choices. Give them the freedom to pick what they want to read from a range of options.

You can make recommendations, but avoid focusing too much on whether the material seems “challenging” enough. What matters most is getting them excited to read consistently. Over time, this excitement will build their confidence to tackle tougher texts.

3. Read Alongside Them

Reading together isn’t just for young kids—it’s a great way to engage teens, too. Choose the same book, article, or even graphic novel to read at the same time.

Use this as a chance to discuss the story, ask each other questions, or even debate different viewpoints. When your teen sees reading as a shared experience, it becomes more enjoyable—and they’ll know they can rely on you for support when something feels confusing.

4. Link Reading to Their Interests

Motivation grows when reading feels relevant and fun. If your teen loves a certain movie or TV show, check if it’s based on a book.

Exploring the book version of a story they already enjoy can make reading feel less like a task and more like an extension of their hobbies. It’s a simple, effective way to spark their enthusiasm for reading!

5. Consider a Reading Tutor

If your teen still feels stuck, it may be time to call in a little extra help. A skilled reading tutor can work with your teen one-on-one, tailoring strategies to their specific needs.

Tutors are trained to pinpoint what’s holding your teen back and help them move forward at their own pace. If confidence and motivation seem slow to grow, a tutor can provide the expertise and encouragement your teen needs to thrive.

Final Thoughts

Helping your teen build confidence and motivation as a reader takes time, but the results are worth it. By taking these five steps, you’ll set the stage for a more positive, engaged approach to reading—both at home and in school. And who knows? You might even rediscover a love of reading yourself along the way!

Want to help your teen build reading confidence and find their spark for books?
Explore how my personalized tutoring sessions can motivate your teen and transform the way they approach reading. Contact me today to learn more about how I can support your family.