THE NEED TO READ, HIGH SCHOOL Your teenager has been reading for almost a decade, but it’s no less important to encourage reading skills. In high school, students are expected to read a much higher level of literature and be able to craft impromptu essays and well-researched papers. They also are subjected to myriad standardized tests—PSATS, graduation exams, placement tests, AP exams, and, of course, the SAT and the ACT. All of these tests require students to have a good grasp of the written word, from vocabulary to sentence structure to grammar. Two or three classes worth of texts plus a novel or two for an English class makes for a heavy workload. If your child is not enthusiastic about reading, conquering the high school homework will be difficult. Many teens realize that reading is important, but they may not remember that reading also is fun. Reading will seem like less of a chore and more like fun in the right environment. Set up a reading area for your teen with comfortable chairs and good lighting. Be sure the area includes a wide array of reading material. Allow your teen to choose her own reading material. Although some literature aimed at teens may seem too fluffy, she will be more inclined to read if she is allowed to read what interests her. Teens get plenty of exposure to history and English literature in school, so you don’t need to pressure them to read difficult books for fun. Make it easy for your teen to get the books she wants to read. Provide her with magazine subscriptions, a library card or a gift certificate to a bookstore. These options encourage good reading habits without seeming too pushy. The whole family can work together to increase vocabulary skills. Set up a whiteboard in a common area of the house, such as the kitchen, and each day write a new, challenging vocabulary word on the board. Vocabulary and reading go hand in hand—the greater your child’s vocabulary, the easier it is to read and understand challenging tests. In addition to simply strengthening reading skills, improving your teen’s vocabulary is a key way to prepare for the battery of standardized tests that occur in high school. High School Reading Worksheet: Here are two recommended books and some related study questions. “The Broken Places” by Susan Perabo What kind of information and details does the author present in the first chapter? What is the symbolism of drumming? What other symbols and metaphors did you find? To what does the title refer? “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck What motivates Cathy? What does her final act say about her character? How do the sibling relationships mirror the story of Cain and Abel? How do they depart from it? What do you think Cal’s future will be?