Challenge Your Mind, Change The World
A Parent's Portal to Learn How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills at Home, Communication Strategies & How Young People Can Find Their Voice - collated from years of experience of a high school teacher.
Welcome to "Challenge Your Mind, Change the World" a podcast specifically designed for parents who are eager to foster a culture of critical thinking and academic excellence within their home. Hosted by The Classic High School Teacher, a seasoned English Literature, Drama, Social Studies and Ancient History teacher and a distinguished writer of teaching resources with over 20 years experience, as well as extensive experience in the business world, this podcast aims to bridge the gap between parental support, academic success and life beyond school for our next generation.
In today’s rapidly changing educational and business landscapes, the ability to think critically is not just a skill but a necessity for academic achievement and beyond. Each episode of our podcast delves into practical strategies, insightful discussions, and actionable advice on how parents can effectively encourage and nurture critical thinking skills in their teenagers as well as learning how to balance life out of school, and well being.
We focus on simplifying complex theories of critical thinking into manageable lessons that can be easily integrated into daily academic support, as well as other pressures currently facing teenagers and their families.
By listening to our podcast, you will discover:
- Expert techniques to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills in teenagers.
- Engaging methods to inspire a love for learning and intellectual curiosity.
- Tips for fostering effective communication and argumentation skills for academic essays and discussions.
- Real-world applications of critical thinking skills for academic success and lifelong learning.
- Preparation for life beyond High School
Join us on this journey to empower your teenager to excel both socially and personally by mastering the art of critical thinking. Together, we can lay a solid foundation for their success, not just in school, but in life.
Challenge Your Mind, Change The World
(Part 2) Engaging Teens With Exciting Summer Literary Activities
Can you turn a reluctant teen into an enthusiastic reader this summer? We've got the strategies that could make it happen! In the latest episode of Challenge your Mind, Change the World, we explore how to get teenagers excited about books by diving into various genres and formats that captivate even the most hesitant readers. From the engaging visuals of graphic novels like "Maus" by Art Spiegelman and "Nimona" by Noelle Stevenson to the immersive experience of audiobooks with Stephen Fry’s narration of "Harry Potter," we cover all bases to make reading irresistible.
We delve into what genres are currently grabbing teens' attention, including fantasy, science fiction, and non-fiction, and discuss how mixing genres can keep reading fresh and engaging. Discover the benefits of starting with books before their movie or TV adaptations to stimulate imagination and deepen comprehension. Learn how book series can hook young readers, fostering an emotional investment that carries them through the summer. Engage with the community by joining book and movie clubs that offer social interaction and spur critical discussions.
But reading isn't just a solitary activity—it can be interactive and fun! We guide you through combining reading with other passions like cooking, hiking, and crafting to create a holistic experience. Explore online communities like Wattpad and Reddit, where teens can read, write, and discuss stories with peers. Plus, uncover the secrets of the Boredom Busters podcast, brimming with ideas to keep kids entertained all summer. Join us as we make reading an adventure and transform this summer into an unforgettable literary journey!
For all free resources mentioned in this podcast, download them here (By registering for Boredom Busters, you will gain access to a whole library of ideas to bust the boredom over the summer).
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Hello everybody, welcome back to Challenge your Mind, change the World. I am absolutely thrilled that you are here today with me on part two of a two-part series on how to encourage our teens to get into reading this summer. Now, last episode was a bumper episode. I had so many juicy tips that I wanted to spread it out over two episodes so that every little piece of juicy information had its time in the sunlight to share with you, because I have got so many different ways and strategies to get children and teenagers into reading off their screens, off their devices, that I couldn't just fit them all into one episode. So part two is today. Last episode we talked about some of the roadblocks and the hurdles that our children might have about wanting to pick up a book and start reading. So I gave you some tips and some strategies on how to address some of these barriers that we might have, and there were 10 of them in total. We then looked at how to set up Summer Reading Challenge and I have got a beautiful summer reading challenge instruction sheet for you over on the Boredom Busters hub. So if you haven't heard of Boredom Busters yet, it is my free, secret podcast that I have created for all the parents out there with teenagers off on their summer vacations and they're bored, and I know that boredom is part of life and it is actually quite a healthy thing to be bored, to experience boredom, because that's where our most creative ideas come from, when we are forced to sit there in the silence and to think about how we can entertain ourselves. But sometimes, as parents, we just need a little bit of a go-to resource to help us stimulate some of those more creative ideas in our children. So boredomom Busters is a four-part secret podcast series and the reason why I'm making it secret is because I have created a free hub and on the free hub is a whole range of strategies and games and resources and it's only available to people that are listening to the Boredom Busters secret podcast. So that's why it is exclusive, it is secret and it is relevant to you. If you have got a teenager at home or if you've got a child at home and you're sitting there during the summer and you need some ideas for entertainment, then head to Boredom Busters. The link is in the show notes and once you register for Boredom Busters, you will get access to the four-part secret podcast series and you'll also get access to the hub, which is a beautiful, beautiful website resource. Everything that you could need for busting the boredom this summer is on there, plus the resources that we talk about in our summer reading program, which was in part one yesterday's podcast episode and part two today. So welcome. I am all about supporting and helping and cheering you on. I am a parent myself. I have got two young boys, so I know full well about what it's like to be a parent during the summer break.
Speaker 1:Today we are going to be looking at some different types of genres and formats that might appeal to your teenage reader, whether they are a bookworm or a reluctant reader. We're also going to be looking at how to link books with movie adaptations, which is a really fun angle to approach reading with teenagers that might not necessarily pick up a book at first glance. And then we're also going to look at book series and why they are so effective with the young adult audience. We're going to look at some online reading communities that are parent and educator approved for our young people, and then we're going to look at how we can combine reading with activities to make it a fully holistic experience. So much fun we have got so much to get into today. I can't wait. So let's get started.
Speaker 1:Let's start by looking at different genres and formats, because if traditional novels aren't really your teenager's thing, then don't worry. Reading doesn't have to be limited to just one format or one genre, doesn't have to be a big, long novel. By exploring different genres or formats, we can keep teenagers reading exciting and accessible for them. Let's dive in to see how we can broaden our teenagers reading horizons. So, looking at the different formats to explore, we've got graphic novels Now. Graphic novels combine visual art with storytelling, so this makes them really engaging and often a lot easier to read for the young adult fiction market. There are graphic novels across all genres, from superhero adventures to historical fiction. So you can have examples like Mouse M-A-U-S by Art Spiegelman or Nimona N-I-M-O-N-A Nimona I hope I'm saying that right by Noelle Stevenson. And these are great starting points. And once again, I will link some more graphic novel suggestions on the hub, on the Board Busters hub. So if you sign up to Board Busters you will get access to that hub and then on that hub there will be a whole lot of reading resources there. So graphic novels are a great starting point for young adults.
Speaker 1:The next one is audiobooks. Okay, so, if traditional novels are not the thing you have to think about audiobooks. They're convenient because they allow you to enjoy books while on the go. So, in the car, during commutes, going from sports practice or going to school, if they're doing a workout, or if they're doing their chores, making their bed or tidying their room, they can put an audiobook on. And many audiobooks are narrated by talented actors, which adds a whole new dimension to the story and gives it a little bit more social proof. So an example could be Harry Potter, narrated by Stephen Fry, the British actor, or the Hate you Give by Angie Thomas, narrated by Barney Turpin.
Speaker 1:Or smartphones, making it easy to carry multiple books at once. And also, if your teenager or child is used to holding a tablet, used to getting their information, reading websites using an iPad, for example, then you can encourage them to read eBooks on the tablet. And the benefits of using a tablet is you can adjust the font size, the background color and even look up word definitions instantly. And there are actually specific tablets that you can use just for reading, like Kindle, and you can access resources like Libby or Google Books to access a vast library of e-books. In fact, sometimes it's easier to get the e-book than it is to wait for it to come out in the shops or to become available at the library. So e-books is a great quick go-to resource.
Speaker 1:Now let's look at exploring some of the different genres. I've got three different types of genres that are always really popular with young adults. Mystery and thriller is the first one. Why? Well, these books are suspenseful. They keep you on the edge of your seat. They have twists and turns. They often involve solving a puzzle or a crime, making them really hard to put down. If you're a young adult, they absolutely love mystery and thriller books. So an example you could try reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
Speaker 1:The next really popular genre for young adults is fantasy and science fiction. So these genres transport you to other worlds and they explore imaginative concepts. They're wonderful. You really do get lost in these imaginary worlds. They offer a great escape from reality and because they have such rich world building and complex characters, they create whole universes. Examples could be the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien or Dune by Frank Herbert. And the third most popular genre for young adults is non-fiction. Non-fiction books provide insights into real events, people and concepts and that's always popular with young people because they're real, so they're believable and they can also be incredibly motivating and informative. They can be inspiring. Really popular examples of non-fiction books for young adults is Sapiens of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari or Educated by Tara Westover Two really good books, always popular at the library. Check those out Now.
Speaker 1:The benefits of mixing it up Remember last episode we talked about creating a summer book challenge and in that summer book challenge you might have, say, four or five books that your teenager can read over the summer and we mix up the genres. So the benefit of mixing up the genres is it prevents reading fatigue and it keeps our teenagers engaged. If they're reading just one type of book the whole summer, like fantasy books or just non-fiction, then they can start to get a little bit bored of that particular genre by the end of the summer. So by mixing up the genres it keeps things fresh and it keeps our children engaged. It also broadens their horizons because exploring different book types can expand their knowledge and their understanding of various topics, which is great for critical thinking, right? We love critical thinking here at the Classic High School Teacher, and it also caters to mood. Remember, we're not always in the same mood for the same type of book, just like TV shows or movies. So different genres or formats can suit different moods and times of the day, making reading more enjoyable. And also, our children are more likely to pick up a book regularly if we can keep track of their moods as well. So if traditional novels aren't grabbing our children's attention, then that's okay. Let's try them on graphic novels, audiobooks or ebooks, and don't hesitate to explore different genres with your children, because they might discover a new favourite.
Speaker 1:How about reading a book that's been adapted into a movie or a tv show? It's a fantastic way to dive deeper into the story and see it come to life on screen. So let's explore how this can be a fun and engaging approach to reading. First of all, we have to find adaptations, popular adaptations. Many well-loved books have been turned into movies or TV series, making it easy to find an adaptation to enjoy, and I will link some ideas and some suggestions in the hub notes for you. An example could be the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins love that. Or the Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
Speaker 1:You also think about classic adaptations over time, timeless stories, because classics have often had multiple adaptations offering different takes on the same stories. If your teenager does like the classic stories, then there are plenty to choose from Pride and Prejudice, for example, by Janeen, or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper. But remember, if you are going to go down this path of choosing books that have been made into TV and filmed, then encourage your teenager to start with the book first, because reading the book first allows you to imagine the characters and the settings in your own way, which is really important to foster imagination. It also provides a deeper understanding of the story, which enhances the viewing experience, because, remember, the director of the film or the TV show won't include every single chapter in their adaptation for the screen. They just don't have the time. And there's details that keep the story moving and, remember, there are scenes and details in a book that don't necessarily lend itself to being reproduced on the big screen. A lot of scenes get taken out once it's made into a movie. So by reading the book first, it gives you a foundation for what the movie is going to be about and then you can compare and contrast. You can see what's been left in and what's been left out. An example could be the Maze Runner by James Dashnell, for watching the film adaptation, because then you can do that comparison. Watching the adaptation after reading allows you to compare how the story was translated to the screen.
Speaker 1:It can spark interesting discussions about what was included, what was left out or what was changed, and that's a great way to engage with your children. As a parent is to have those sorts of discussions. For example, you could look at the differences between the Harry Potter books and movies, and your teenagers can do that with yourself or with friends, or even online forums that are parent approved and vetted. Let's make it interactive. Talking of online forums, you could start or join a book and movie club where members read the book and then watch the adaptation together. Your teenager can engage in discussions about the differences and similarities and what each member preferred. For example, your teenager could host a movie night after finishing Divergent by Veronica Roth and discuss how the movie compares to the book, all over a bowl of popcorn.
Speaker 1:Because by reading the book and then looking at the film version of it, it keeps our children engaged by offering multiple ways to experience the story, and it also enhances critical thinking and analytical skills without even realizing it. That's a bonus, and it's also enjoyment. It's just simply fun to see your favorite stories come to life and discuss them with others. So reading books with movie adaptations is a great way to deepen our children's engagement with the story and enjoy it in a new format. Plus, it offers plenty of opportunities for social interaction and critical discussion.
Speaker 1:Now we've talked about movie adaptations of books, but let's look at book series, which is another very, very popular form of reading for young adults. If your child loves getting invested in characters and stories, then try them on a book series, because once they're hooked on that first book, they'll want to keep reading to see what happens next, and then next, and then next. Let's explore why book series can be so captivating and some great series to get our children started. Why are book series so engaging? Well, series allow for deeper development of characters and more complex storylines. You get to follow the characters through various adventures and challenges over multiple books, which is always a great way to get our children hooked on reading. And it also means that by spending more time with the same characters, it builds a stronger emotional connection, making the characters' journeys and outcomes more meaningful to our young readers. It also builds a sense of anticipation, because with each new book in the series it builds that sense of anticipation and excitement as our children look forward to continuing the story. How great is that?
Speaker 1:I've got three different types of genres that are very popular with young people that you can recommend to your children. The first one is what we talked about before fantasy and adventure. A great popular, very famous series is obviously you probably have guessed it already Harry Potter by JK Rowling. And the other one is Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. I've got my eye on this one for my son, george, because this one is where you dive into the adventures of Percy Jackson as he discovers his identity as a demigod and battles mythological creatures. And I have a double degree in English literature and classical history, so obviously, as a classical history teacher, I can't wait for the moment where I can take my children to Greece and to all around the Mediterranean to look at the mythological history of the region. And I think that by starting with this young adult fiction is kind of a little side link into actual classical history. I mean, obviously this is fiction but it gets them talking about some of those mythological names, but anyway, I digress. So that's fantasy and adventure. The next really popular genre group for book series is science fiction the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins that we talked about before. That's a really cool book series, and then they can follow on by watching the movie afterwards, and then the Maze Runner by James Dashner these would make great Christmas presents too, by the way, if you're a grandparent listening to this. And the third genre is mystery and thriller. That we talked about before too. So a great book series and a classic at the same time is Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, and the other series that I would recommend is A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.
Speaker 1:My tips for enjoying a series with your chat with your team start with book one. Always begin with the first book in the series to understand the context and the character development. Pace yourself. Don't rush through the books. Let them enjoy the journey and give themselves time to reflect on each installment before they start the next book. And engage with the fan communities. Many series have dedicated fan communities that are parent approved, but always check them first as the parent, where they can discuss theories, characters and plot twists. So cool Book series are a fantastic way to get deeply invested in the stories and characters, and with each new book, your teens will be excited to see what happens next. So pick a series that your children will be interested in and dive into an extended adventure with them, because these young adult books are great for adults to read too.
Speaker 1:Now let's switch our attention to online reading communities. There are tons of online reading communities like Goodreads, wattpad or specific subreddits. Joining these can provide recommendations and a sense of community with fellow book lovers, so I will link some more in the hub reading notes for you. Let's look at how you can get involved and what benefits you'll find by these online communities. One of the great benefits of online reading communities is the recommendations that you'll get. You discover new books and authors based on what others are reading and enjoying. You also get that sense of community with fellow readers who share your interests. So there's this social side to it too. You can discuss books, you can share reviews, you can participate in group reads, or you can just sit on the fence and just read the comments that other people are making about the books, and they also have challenges and events. Many communities host reading challenges, book clubs and events that can make reading more interactive and fun, and that's what we want for our teenagers, right? So Goodreads tracks your reading. You can rate and review your books and you can get personalized recommendations based on what you've read. You can join groups based on genres, on interests or specific book clubs, and there's one on there called the Young Adult Book Club, and this is awesome because it reads and discusses a different young adult book each month perfect.
Speaker 1:The next one is wattpad w-a-t-t-p-a-d, and the features of wattpad is you can read and write stories, you can interact with writers and other readers and you can discover new content from a community point of view. You can participate in the discussions they have on there, you can leave comments on the stories and you can follow your favourite authors. A great community to join on Wattpad is the Teen Fiction Community to read and discuss stories written by and for teens. And the third one I mentioned was Reddit R-E-D-D-I-T. So find subreddits dedicated to books and reading. I'll link these for you, don't worry. You can participate in discussions, you can ask for recommendations and you can share your thoughts on various books. Great to get the chat started. If you are interested in getting involved, you can create a profile, so sign up for an account on platforms like Goodreads or Wattpad and create a profile for your family that your teenager can use. You can join groups on there, so look for groups or communities that match your interests and join them. You can participate actively by engaging in discussions, by sharing your thoughts and contributing to the community, because the more active you are, the more you'll get out of it right. And also, you can share reviews, so writing reviews of the books that you've read can help others find great reads and also give you a chance to reflect on what you liked or didn't like.
Speaker 1:Now, finally, we are switching gears to one of my favourite ways to enjoy reading, which is combining reading with activities. What I mean by that is you can read a book about cooking and then try out some recipes, or read about hiking and then plan an outdoor adventure with your child or your family, because it makes the experience more interactive and fun. I'm going to give you some ways to pair reading with some of your favourite activities. First up, we've got combining reading with hobbies, so cooking, for example. Choose a cookbook or a novel with recipes and try making out the dishes. You could read Julie and Julia by Julie Powell and then cook some of the recipes from Julia Child's cookbook. You could decide to have a cooking day with friends or family where you try out new recipes together. My children love baking so I am on the lookout at the moment for a book that involves baking.
Speaker 1:You could do. You can look at outdoor adventures. If hiking in nature is your hobby. Read books about hiking, nature or adventure and then plan a trip to a local park or a trail. For example, you could read Wild by Cheryl Strayed and then go on a hike inspired by her journey. Organize a hiking trip with friends, bring along snacks and discussing the book along the way. Or your hobby could be arts and crafts. So find books on diy projects or arts and crafts and then try making something from the book. You could read the biggest book of crafts by mark montano and then choose a few projects to create. Host a crafting day where you and your friends make projects from the book. Your hobby could be sports and fitness. So read some books about your favourite sports or athletes and then practice the sport. Example read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and then go for a run or try a new running technique.
Speaker 1:Join a local sports team or club inspired by your reading. Let's make reading fun and interactive. Think about book and activity clubs. Start a club where members read a book and then do an activity related to the book. Example a cooking club where members read a culinary themed novel and then cook a meal together. Or you could do themed weeks, weekly themes, where you read books on a specific topic and then do related activities. For example, a mystery themed week where you read mystery novels and then topic and then do related activities. For example, a mystery-themed week where you read mystery novels and then solve a local escape room or puzzle. You can document the experience. Keep a journal or start a blog documenting your reading and related activities. Write blog posts about the books you've read and the adventures or projects you've completed inspired by them. There is so much you can do by linking reading to real life activities.
Speaker 1:Combining reading with your other interests can make the experience more interactive and enjoyable.
Speaker 1:Whether it's cooking, hiking, crafting or sports, there are endless ways to pair reading with fun activities.
Speaker 1:So pick up a book that ties into one of your hobbies and get started on a new adventure.
Speaker 1:That's a wrap for today's episode on making summer reading fun, part two. We have covered so many great tips, from creating a summer reading challenge to combining reading with your favorite activities. I hope that these ideas inspire you to pick up a book and dive into new adventures alongside your children. Remember, reading can be an exciting and enjoyable part of your summer. So give these tips a try and see what works best for you, and remember that if you want the resources that we've talked about in today's episode or part one's episode, then sign up to Boredom Buster's secret podcast to gain access to our secret, exclusive hub filled with heaps of boredom busting ideas to do with your children over the summer holidays. We'd love to see what you're reading and how you'll make the most of your summer. Happy reading everyone. Thanks for tuning in to Challenge your Mind, change the World. I'm Francesca and I'll catch you again in the next episode. Until then, keep exploring, keep reading and have an awesome summer.
