Beyond Bribery: Real Ways to Get Kids Excited About Reading

When a child says they “hate” reading, parents and teachers naturally push against that frustration. Although the fight is well-intentioned, forcing them into it via conflict can unfortunately worsen that resistance. To make matters worse, parents facing this challenge are far from alone, as the percentage of children who read for fun continues to drop and is now at its lowest since the 80s.

Rebuilding a positive attitude toward reading for a child with negative associations is both challenging and essential. It can also be particularly tricky, as encouraging reading differs from other forms of behavioral change. For example, incentivizing reading can have the opposite of its desired impact. Despite an initial increase in frequency, it is associated with a reduction over time and even decreased reading comprehension.

Reading improves cognitive development, critical thinking, emotional well-being, and academic success, so its loss is deeply felt in the classroom and at home. Instead of falling into the power struggle trap, here are some effective but subtle strategies that can re-introduce a love of reading without pressure or bribery. 

ADDRESS THE ROOTS OF RESISTANCE

Firstly, what is it about reading that children seem to ‘hate?’ Knowing and responding effectively to your child’s unique reasons can make a world of difference. Common answers often include boredom, difficulty understanding, pressure to read what they don’t enjoy, lack of interest, struggles with focus and attention, and a general sense of frustration rather than enjoyment. Once the ‘why’ is clearer, so are the next steps.

For example, if a child feels that reading is too difficult, they may have had to work with content too far above their reading level. Repeated experiences with this may have unintentionally ‘taught’ them that reading is ‘too difficult’ and inaccessible, so they have chosen to avoid it instead. A reading assessment to determine their current level can make it easier to identify material appropriate for their unique needs. Generally speaking, content should be at or just above the current level to promote skill growth; however, if the goal is to reverse the damage of negative emotions and limiting beliefs, it can help to start at or just below until they demonstrate a renewed sense of confidence and optimism.

If they struggle with focus or attention during reading, this could indicate a different learning style or executive functioning skills deficit. Understanding what these are can help inform the most accessible and supported ways for a child to engage with a text. For instance, some children do better with audiobooks (and don’t worry - audiobooks aren’t “cheating,” they produce nearly identical benefits to reading visually). On the other hand, children who struggle with executive functions and attention may prefer to own physical copies so they can annotate and engage more interactively with what they’re reading. 

MAKE READING PART OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The more unobtrusive and natural reading feels, the better. Fortunately, there are some very easy ways to make this a natural extension of their everyday lives:

• Make weekly trips to the library, giving them the freedom to browse independently 

• Visit multiple bookstores and choose a favorite (thrift stores often have robust book sections with books for $1-3)

• Bring books for long lines, car trips, plane rides, and vacations 

• Keep books everywhere: in the car, around the house, and always within reach

• Model reading for pleasure as often as possible

• Create a dedicated reading space with favorite blankets, special lights, and extra pillows

• Establish specific times, such as the drive home from school, the last hour before bed, or Saturday mornings (this should ideally apply to the whole family!)

• Read together as a bonding experience - taking turns reading aloud or snuggling with separate books (here are some additional tips to also improve comprehension)

• Encourage rereading of favorite books, which helps strengthen speed and accuracy while also building more confidence 

WHAT COMES NEXT: GAINING MOMENTUM

Once the reasons have been thoughtfully addressed and reading has become a more positive experience, here are a few ways to foster even greater levels of engagement:

• Make connections between things you’ve read and your child’s unique ideas, passions, and experiences

• Explore genres to discover their favorites: nonfiction, fantasy, sci-fi, graphic novels, etc.

• Find a series that captures their interest, which can promote a sense of comfort and familiarity, enthusiasm to read more, and opportunities to buy more as gifts

• While at the bookstore, collaborate to find a few books to give as gifts for someone else (ie. a recipe book for Dad to use with the new grill, or a book themed around an upcoming holiday to share with a younger sibling)

In conclusion, by addressing the reasons behind a child’s resistance and cultivating an environment where reading feels like a natural extension of their day, parents and educators can help them rediscover the joy of books. It is critical to approach the journey with empathy, acknowledging that every child is unique and will require different strategies. While it can be challenging and require a great deal of patience, the ultimate goal is for our children to hopefully embrace reading as a lifelong passion.

Written by Brandi R.

Finding the Pause: Strengthening Response Inhibition in Children

As many schools approach spring break, students will have time to pause from their busy academic, personal, and extracurricular lives. This is a great opportunity to reset, plan for the upcoming weeks, and reorganize. Spring break can also serve as a meaningful time to reflect, set positive intentions, and find balance. However, reflective thinking shouldn't only happen during long school breaks. In fact, daily reflection can help children find moments of pause in their routines and strengthen executive function skills like self-control and response inhibition.

What is Response Inhibition?

Have you ever blurted out an answer or interrupted someone mid-sentence? You can thank your response inhibition for that. Response inhibition is the ability to control behaviors or responses to a task. Similar to a cause-and-effect relationship, it helps individuals react appropriately to different situations, stay focused, and resist impulsive behaviors. For some children, these skills develop naturally as they learn school rules and routines. However, others may benefit from intentional practice to strengthen these abilities.

Playing Games

Games that require critical thinking, such as chess, encourage children to take their time when making decisions rather than choosing the first move that comes to mind. Multiplayer games that involve turn-taking can also enhance response inhibition. Activities like Simon Says, Red Light/Green Light, Freeze Dance, board games, and card games all support the development of this skill.

Charts and Reminders

Visual cues can help children remember to think before responding until they develop this habit independently. These cues should be tailored to your child’s needs. For example, a solutions wheel can assist with problem-solving, while a THINK poster can encourage appropriate responses.

Avoiding Distracting Areas

Keeping workspaces clean and organized can limit distractions and help children stay focused on their tasks. A clutter-free environment also promotes a healthy homework routine, maximizing their attention and productivity.

Timers and Counters

Timers are useful for encouraging task inhibition, practicing skills within a set period, and minimizing distractions. Additionally, timers can help students regulate response inhibition by setting limits on off-topic discussions. Counters, or designated objects, can be used to regulate behaviors. For example, a child may receive three counters during a discussion, turning one over each time they speak. This method can help with turn-taking, staying in designated areas, and minimizing off-topic storytelling.

Positive Reinforcement

When a child independently controls their response, positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat that behavior. Recognizing their progress helps them reflect on their actions and continue improving.

Wait Time and Wait Periods

Providing wait time allows students to consider multiple responses rather than the first idea that comes to mind, which is especially beneficial for writing and speaking activities. It also strengthens listening skills by encouraging students to fully process what was asked. Wait periods—longer increments of time—can help children make thoughtful decisions, such as choosing a new hobby or extracurricular activity. These pauses can prevent impulsive commitments.

Social Scenarios

Practicing social scenarios allows children to reflect on behaviors, navigate social situations, and differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate responses. These exercises encourage them to think of alternative solutions and positively impact their social and emotional learning.

Conclusion

Response inhibition can be a challenging skill to develop without the right strategies to guide impulsive thoughts and behaviors. By incorporating these techniques at home, children will become better equipped to regulate their responses independently. Encouraging them to find moments of pause in their daily lives will make breaks even more enjoyable, with less to reorganize and catch up on!

Written by Ami Z.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Redirect Undesirable Behaviors in Children

Have you ever wondered why children act the way they do or why certain behaviors persist despite efforts to redirect them? Sometimes, despite trying various strategies, it may feel as though “nothing is working.” However, taking a step back to explore the motivations behind these behaviors is key to effectively changing them.

One reason for persistent behaviors is that the processes driving them are often subconscious. Children may not be able to express what they need or how an adult’s response is meeting or not meeting those needs. As a result, the responsibility falls on caregivers to explore the root cause of these behaviors and adapt their responses.

REINFORCEMENT

Reinforcement plays a crucial role in behavior modification. However, caregivers sometimes unintentionally reinforce undesirable behavior with their responses. For example, if the adult’s approach meets the need from which it originated, giving negative attention (yelling, lecturing, engaging) or granting avoidance (grounding, sending away, delaying a task) could lead a child to repeat the behavior even more. To break this cycle, it’s essential to reevaluate how the behavior is currently being responded to.

Instead of punishing problem behaviors, well-constructed positive reinforcement systems focus caregivers’ attention on the habits and attitudes they want to encourage rather than what they want to eliminate. This simple but powerful shift in perspective can help parents and educators encourage children to make healthier decisions, strengthen adult-child relationships, and promote self-esteem. 

When it comes to any repeated action that derives from a subconscious need, the bottom line is this: the behavior will likely continue until the need is met in some other way. After identifying a potential cause, the first step is to create an alternate pathway that still meets that need (ie. becoming the “class helper” and receiving frequent praise to meet the need for attention), and then consistently reinforce the new, desirable behaviors.

ATTENTION AS A MOTIVATOR

Children’s intrinsic need for attention is natural, expected, and healthy; however, they are learning how to express this need in prosocial ways. Sometimes, problematic attention-seeking behavior is immediately evident, such as disruptive noise-making in class or constantly interrupting others’ conversations. On the other hand, defiance, aggression, and running away may appear to be motivated by a desire for escape, but they could also be driven by a subconscious pattern that recognizes negative attention as preferable to no attention at all. 

For example, if a child is struggling with defiance and a need for attention may be the cause, the first step a caregiver can take is to stop the unintentional reinforcement of that defiance by no longer acknowledging or engaging with it as much as possible. However, an alternate pathway for meeting the need must be consistently presented and heavily reinforced before, during, and after. This generally includes giving frequent and immediate attention to all non-defiant behavior, until the defiance is replaced with a newly learned pathway that addresses the original need.

AVOIDANCE AS A MOTIVATOR

Avoidance behavior is generally recognized as any action taken to escape a particular task or situation. Examples include outright defiance, shutting down/withdrawal, leaving the room, ignoring directions, disruptive tantrums, and being off-task. Understanding the "why" behind the avoidance behavior (e.g., sensory overload, fear of failure) is crucial for customizing interventions to each unique child and situation. Anxiety and discomfort both play a role in avoidance behavior, so an intervention for this motivator will look very different than what is required for attention.

One approach to dealing with avoidance is harnessing the power of choice to restore a sense of autonomy and encourage self-led task completion. Two other common strategies are gradual, repeated exposure to the task or situation with support and reinforcement (also known as desensitization) and teaching the communication skills needed to express discomfort without turning to avoidant behaviors. No matter the method, positive reinforcement plays a major role in encouraging the completion of whatever is being avoided. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Identifying the root cause of a behavior can help guide children to make healthier decisions. 

• Reinforcement given to undesirable behaviors that could be unintentionally meeting the need for attention or avoidance should be withheld. 

• Alternative ways to meet the need (ie. the need for attention must be met with attention) should be clearly provided and continuously reinforced.

• For avoidance behaviors, some common effective strategies include providing choice, using positive reinforcement, desensitization, and strengthening communication skills.

Written by Brandi R.

Setting Positive Intentions for the School Year Ahead

In what may seem like the blink of an eye, summer vacation is coming to a close as schools begin to open for the upcoming school year. And in these few weeks, your child may have a rush of different emotions: first day jitters, excitement, nervousness, and maybe even hopefulness for the school year ahead. These feelings are completely normal, and valid, as your child embarks on a new journey. However, as your child emotionally prepares, there are ways you can encourage them to look forward to, and prepare for, the upcoming school year. 

As children begin school and learn more about their upcoming school year and teachers, it can benefit them to reflect on their intentions. Identifying goals can create a positive outlook and keep your student accountable throughout the year. 

Reflection

Reflection is a great first step for creating positive intentions. Reflections helps your child think back on the successes and areas of improvement from the previous school year. After goals are set, children can incorporate reflective practices in their daily routines throughout the school year. There are many great reflection prompts and self-regulation workbooks that can help you and your child monitor their emotions and intentions throughout the school year.

Goal Setting

Reflection and goal setting can be used together to promote intentional focus for the school year. Many teachers use goal setting strategies to help students take accountability of their learning throughout the year. This helps set positive intentions for the upcoming school year because students are aware of specific skills they need to work on throughout the year and will learn self-monitoring skills to guide them. 

Visualization

Children can explore and present these goals in a number of ways: graphic organizers, letter to themselves, vision board, or even technology based modes (Canva, Powerpoint, Google Slides Prezi, etc). This helps your child create new intentions for the school year, and express them creatively. Creativity can be challenging for some students, so exploring different forms for creativity can help your child feel more confident in their abilities and even inspire positive intentions. 

Morning Routines

Morning routines can incorporate some of the different strategies listed above to set a daily positive intention. Children can create habits that include reviewing goals, setting a daily intention, reflecting on the previous day, or choosing a mindfulness strategy to prepare their brain and body for the upcoming challenges of the day.

Weekly Focus/Daily Affirmations

A weekly focus can help children learn how to segment their large goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. Using a weekly focus or daily affirmation can also reinforce a positive mindset and encourage children to start each day fresh. There are many books children can use for guided practice.

Setting positive intentions with your child will help them feel prepared for the upcoming school year. These positive intentions should be practiced frequently and continued throughout the school year. Even though specific goals may change, positive intentions can help children learn how to cope with some of the more challenging emotions and think positively about their desired outcomes.

Written by Ami Z.

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities to Keep Kids Active and Healthy

Excessive heat warnings and record temperatures can make it challenging for children in Phoenix to get the kinds of body movement they need while stuck inside. Exercise is essential for kids’ mental and physical health, improves executive function, and doesn’t always have to include leaving the house. Unfortunately, according to the CDC, less than 24% of children 6 to 17 years old engage in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Here are some strategies for getting those sillies out at any age, even when it’s 118 degrees.

MOVEMENT GAMES

One way to get kids active indoors is to incorporate movement-driven games that are friendly to smaller spaces. Some examples include: Simon Says, Twister, hide and seek, hopscotch, charades, fort building, paper airplanes, musical chairs, and obstacle courses.

For younger children, ask them to imitate animal walks and show off their best frog jumps or alligator crawls. Older children can create a scavenger hunt around the house, then hide the clues and help solve them. Another easy game is to blow up a balloon and see how long they can keep it in the air without hitting the floor. To have extra fun playing as a family, add a musical component and put on everyone’s favorite songs to get them dancing. If there are multiple participants, turn it into a game of Freeze Dance and pause at intervals to see who can stop and start on time.

INDOOR EXERCISE

Without the benefit of a PE class offered at school, and with the added challenge of the heat outside, children need to be given structured opportunities to exercise for at least an hour each day inside the home. The CDC recommends that this time is centered mostly around aerobic exercises (running, jumping, swimming, etc), but it should also incorporate muscle- and bone-strengthening (push-ups, jumping jacks, crab walks, stairs, etc) activities as well.

One simple strategy to meet this need is to locate exercise videos on YouTube or other preferred platforms that children can follow. Ideally, the videos should be selected according to the child’s age, skill, and unique preferences. There are countless types to choose from, including gymnastics for any level, martial arts, flexibility/stretching, aerobics, balance, mindfulness-oriented movement, and more. For example, a morning-focused video can offer some AM warm-ups while a more calming yoga practice can be done on the living room floor before bed to improve sleep.

Yoga can be a particularly valuable and accessible choice for indoor exercise that is associated with a wide range of benefits. These include improving emotional regulation, stress management, body awareness, mindfulness, concentration, memory, strength, flexibility, and self-esteem, while also reducing anxiety and impulsivity. There are plenty of different types and levels, too, so it can be used for both energizing and bedtime routines at any age.

Ultimately, children can and should still benefit from daily physical activity even if they are limited on time outdoors during the summer months. Intentionally providing opportunities to play games that involve movement and participate in indoor exercise can meet this need without costing money or giving anyone a sunburn.

Written by Brandi R.

Developing Flexible Thinkers Through Extracurricular Activities

Flexible thinking is a powerful tool as it contributes to successful problem solving, adaptability, perseverance, and contributes to metacognition and positive thinking. This type of thinking can be implicitly and explicitly practiced through intentional practice, modeling, and embedding these skills in the activities children are completing. Flexible thinking allows children to view situations from multiple perspectives and apply a variety of solution-oriented strategies in a safe environment.

Children learn the importance of flexibility from a young age in PE, athletics, and extracurricular activities. For example, if you were to watch the first ten minutes of a softball practice, you would see active children preparing their bodies for a practice or  game. What you won’t be able to see, however, is that children are not only practicing active flexibility, but they are also preparing their minds to practice flexible thinking skills. Although it is hidden, it is equally important for their success. Extracurricular activities, including hobbies, sports, clubs, and community service, build essential flexible thinking skills.

Hobbies and Clubs

Hobbies are an excellent way for children to learn about themselves, their interests, and practice flexible thinking. Hobbies such as painting, music, photography, writing, yoga, and cooking allow children to explore solutions to difficult problems. Overcoming writer’s block, adjusting a new yoga pose, and modifying a recipe are all different ways children can practice flexible thinking. Creative and critical thinking can also promote mental flexibility. Various clubs can improve these skills such as Chess, Drama, Improv, Art, and Book clubs can provide structured opportunities for students to practice enhancing their skills.

Sports

Different sports and mindful activities can help children develop mental flexibility through task analyzing and routines. Oftentimes children need to analyze their performance for improvements, make real-time decisions, find quick solutions for problems that arise, adjust their performance as needed, process information, and practice situational awareness. These skills can be improved during practice and during their team or individual performance (i.e game, meet, competition). 

Community Service

Community service is a great way for children to get involved and give back to the community. For young children, this may be done as part of a group such as Boy Scouts or an athletic team. While doing so, they can also practice their mental flexibility. When completing community service, children are faced with different problems they may need to overcome. Some situations may be unpredictable and require quick thinking to face these challenges. Other types of community service may encourage children to engage with the process of developing a plan. All of these examples require different components of flexible thinking which children can practice with support until they are able to perform specific tasks independently.

The flexible thinking skills learned through extracurricular activities can translate into real-world experiences. Children can use these skills to help solve problems, use positive self-talk, welcome changes to plans, and overcome challenges. By learning these skills early, children are more likely to continue exercising what they have learned throughout adulthood. Unfortunately, challenges don’t go away as children grow up- they typically get more complicated. Continuing to practice these skills will help children successfully manage changes and uncertainties as adults.

To see Peak’s last blog on flexible thinking, click here.

 Written by Ami Z.

Summer Boredom Busters

As the initial excitement of summer vacation wears off, children may be searching for ways to fill their time normally spent in school. Summer days most likely feel longer for children as they transition from spending their weekdays filled with content, routines, and tightly wound schedules at school to a looser summer schedule. And while your child may be enrolled in summer school, camps, sports, or other activities, it can be challenging to fill an entire day with engagement all summer long. So, what can you do when your child is looking for “summer fun” on a slow day or a day without pre-planned activities? Here are some boredom busters to boost your child’s excitement this summer.

Physical Activity

• Create an obstacle course and try to beat your previous record each week!

• Watch self-guided fitness or mindfulness videos that model how to complete exercises.

• Find movement-based brain breaks for kids. These can easily be searched on YouTube! There are many to explore until your child finds a specific type they like.

• Create active routines: riding bikes, taking walks, practicing sports, etc. for a specific amount of time each day.

• Spend time doing outdoor activities: jump rope, hula hooping, jumping on the trampoline, etc.

• Invite water play, such as running through a sprinkler, swimming at the pool, or using a Slip N’ Slide.

ways to Express Creativity

• Create a Summer Boredom Buster ​​Bucket List and pick one task to complete each day.

• Complete a scavenger hunt.

• Pick up new hobbies, such as painting, drawing, dancing, jewelry making, pottery, and more! Many stores have kits you can buy for guided practice.

• Try cooking or baking new recipes. 

• Draw pictures using guided videos from Art for Kids Hub.

• Explore photography with a class or on your own by taking pictures of different interests.

• Build with legos, blocks, or other household items.

• Run a lemonade stand.

• Play with sidewalk chalk. 

• Try journaling or expressive writing. Kids can set a timer for free-writing, write about nature topics, write stories in sidewalk chalk, keep a daily journal reflection, etc!

Learning opportunities

• Explore a new language with different apps, such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Gus on the Go, and more.

• Make observations and/or hypotheses about an interesting topic. If up for the challenge, create a plan to test the hypothesis. 

• Keep an exploration journal of new places visited, nature walks taken, or parks visited!

• Spend time focusing on handwriting practice: always check for correct capitalization. punctuation, spelling, and complete sentences!

• Try puzzles, strategy games, chess, educational apps, logic puzzles, etc.

• Create and complete a reading challenge, especially with a fun, new book.

• Make a daily routine and hang a poster in your room with the details.

• Help plant or care for a garden.

• Make an invention. Draw a picture, create a model, write about it, and explain how the invention can be used by others.

Summer can be the perfect time to try a new hobby, explore new ideas, or strengthen the skills your child already has. There are many ways to help empower your children this summer! Children can use this time to create daily routines of their own and feel a sense of independence. However, as you help fill your child’s summer days with engaging activities, don't forget the importance of downtime, which can be a great way to incorporate different mindfulness activities, such as drawing, journaling, or yoga!

Written by Ami Z.

The importance of Exploring Outlets

During a child’s first five years of life, their interaction with caregivers sets the stage for their emotional development for life. The five stages of emotional development during these years consist of a variety of emotional skills such as: naming, identifying, self-regulating, expressing, and managing emotions. And while you can help your child develop these skills during the early years, how can you support your child with their emotional development when they venture off into full days of school, extracurricular activities, and play-dates? Helping your child discover new independent interests gives them a unique opportunity to engage with emotional outlets. 

What Are Outlets?

Outlets are activities and/or interests that children can practice regularly as a way to manage emotions. These outlets can range from a variety of activities and can be practiced independently or in a more directed, group setting. There are different types of outlets children can explore to find their passion and interest. Young children often begin exploring extracurricular activities such as sports, dance, mindfulness activities, band/music, theatre, art, STEM, technology/coding, and many more! Through these various activities, children can explore their interests, improve their skills, and develop a sense of identity. 

Benefits of Outlets 

There are many benefits to utilizing outlets as an avenue for self-expression and self-regulation strategies. Here are some specific benefits to channeling outlets:

Goal Setting- Outlets provide explicit practice with creating, attaining, and planning goals. For example, a child may want to learn a new soccer trick or art skill or develop fluency in math puzzles. These examples all require specific goals and steps to reach these goals. While younger children may require assistance at first, eventually they will learn to independently set and attain goals. This skill will inevitably transfer into other areas of their lives as well. 

Expressing and Managing Emotions- Outlets provide a safe and controlled environment to express emotions and even manage stress. The skills learned in the controlled environment can be used in independent or guided practice to help self-regulate emotions. For example, if your child relies on a structured activity weekly, such as yoga, they can choose to use these skills when they are feeling dysregulated. 

Self Discovery- Outlets can provide an opportunity to discover new interests and explore a variety of passions. As children practice specific activities over time, they often learn ways to manage different executive functioning skills such as: planning/time management, flexibility, organization, self control, task initiation, and emotional control. Explicit practice in multiple contexts will help them become proficient in these skills. 

Increased Development in Many Areas- Once children begin school, there is a large emphasis on academic achievement and development that continues through adolescence. This can cause limited time to practice other essential areas of development. When children are provided time to participate in outlets, they are practicing non-academic skills that will help them succeed in school. These skills include gross/fine motor skills, emotional development, imagination, critical thinking, creativity, confidence, communication/language skills, empathy, and general life skills.

From exploring new interests to stepping out of your comfort zone to safely regulating your emotions, outlets offer a variety of opportunities to reconnect with yourself. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from exploring outlets and choosing specific ones that work best for them. In early childhood, children may choose to explore a variety of activities before choosing specific areas of interest. For example, a child may explore dance, ice skating, sports, pottery, and yoga before choosing a specific outlet. Additionally, as children grow into teens and adults, their interests may change. As humans, we are continuously learning and re-discovering ourselves as we enter new stages of life. With that said, outlets may change and new interests may be explored at different stages of life.

If your child is looking to learn more about Yoga & Crafts as an outlet, please check out our  group class offerings!

Written by Ami Z.