Curriculum for Year 8 (Age 12-13) Students - Young Teen Key Stage 3
Looking for a good read for your young teen? Or maybe you are 12-13 years and are looking for a few books to add to your read list. At 12-13 years old, young teenagers rarely want their parents to pick out their books for them. That’s okay, but it you find your child is reading less I suggest leaving a few tempting books for 12-13 year olds around the house in conspicuous places. But beware! Don’t say a word about the books let your young ones think their parents are pressuring them to read. It’s an extremely tricky age! 12-13 year olds aren’t keen on books about 11 year olds, but they may not be ready to read the more serious and mature titles on the YA shelves. Remember to stick to our routine if you can.
Games and activities
1. Writing ideas
Encourage book blogging and taking part in readers’ book sites, e.g. adding reviews to Books4people.co.uk
Children may like to keep a Favourite Book journal which can have lists of titles, quotations, pictures and sketches to encourage them to look back at what they’ve read.
Get involved in planning a holiday schedule (making a list of books to read, entering book review competitions, planning day trips and so on).
2. Reading together
Keep your eyes open for book awards and read the shortlists together to decide which title you would choose and why. It may encourage your child to want to read it too.
If you have younger children then encourage your 12-13 year old to read to and with them.
Talk to your child about the articles in your local free newspaper or even take out a subscription to the children’s newspapers.
3. Maths games
Take a look at our fun maths activities to help you enjoy maths with your child.
4. Writing ideas
Children aged 12-13 years can follow a simple recipe independently, with only a little help and supervision. Cooking can be a great opportunity to develop reading and maths skills and to boost your child’s confidence. Best of all, you both get to enjoy a tasty treat at the end.
