1. Let your child choose what to read. Your student will be more likely to read a book that he or she find appealing. Try suggesting books from movies he or she might have enjoyed.
2. Talk about what she reads. Ask what he or she thinks of a book and make connections with real life. Keep up on what he or she is reading so you can discuss them together.
3. If he's struggling or bored with a book, let him put it down. Forcing him to stick with a difficult or dull book that's intended for pleasure will reinforce the idea that reading is a chore.
4. Subscribe to magazines that will interest your student. Ask her to choose one or two titles and put the subscription in her name.
5. Read the newspaper together. Whether it's for 15 minutes over breakfast or on weekends, establish a routine and discuss what you each read. This has the added bonus of informing your student about the community and current events.
6. Play games that utilize reading. Word and vocabulary building games like Scrabble or Boggle are great, but many board games provide reading opportunities (even if it's just the instructions). Crosswords and word searches provide opportunities for learning new words and spelling practice as well.
7. Encourage your middle-schooler to read to a younger sibling. Letting him take over ritual reading at bedtime once a week will ensure he reads something, and he may find his sibling's enthusiasm for stories contagious. It may also strengthen their bond.
8. Visit the library together. Try to make it an event where you share some quality one-on-one time and both choose a few books. It is a good way to model good reading practices like choosing a book.
9. Ensure he has a good reading space. He should choose where it is, but you can make sure it's well lit and inviting so he stays a while.
10. Encourage writing. Keeping a journal or chronicling a family vacation will also provide reading practice.
11. Model reading. Your pre-teen will still follow your reading habits (though she'll never let you know it!). Let her see you reading, make comments, and share interesting passages with her.