Base any allowance or perks on reading comprehension of works you assign. Do this every week. Every week. No distractions until completed, in writing. Oral defense for extra credit.
As an aside, you will learn as much or more than the kids, and they will be suggesting topics within six weeks.
They don't get any allowance, or any perks. When their father and I divorced, he told them that they didn't have to help around the house. Therefore...no allowance.
I find that if I keep my mouth shut and be sneaky, they'll check out things on this website. My 9 yr old likes all the photoshopped pics and the "kitty threads", and my son will read about anything to do with blood and gore. I'm not referring to Algore of course.
See my reply to JackieJ, they are making an effort on their own. My 21 yr old was the worst.