Raising a Reader

Raising a reader is essential for our future. Our youngest readers often enjoy listening to us read and many enjoy reading on their own, as they gain reading skills. They snuggle into our laps or bounce around as we sing and read to them. But what happens in middle school and high school? Some students report less enjoyment in reading due to so much required reading and analysis. Guess what? We need to foster a love for reading AND a love for reading to learn, think, analyze, and apply knowledge.

How do I encourage my child to be a reader?

1. Follow the passion

2. Build skills

3. Offer choice

4. Be a model

5. Read aloud- no matter how old!

1. PASSION:

What does your child love? Search for books, magazines, audio books, and podcasts about those favorite things. Sometimes listening to a captivating podcast will lead to inspiration to read something related.

2. BUILD SKILLS:

If your child is having difficulty reading words or understanding what he/she reads, get help. Speak to your child’s teacher to understand recent assessments and the interventions to help. Ask what assessments have been done to measure your child’s reading skills. Ensure the supports are appropriate for your child’s specific challenges. While your child is developing skills, read to your child and encourage audio books. You can ask for help in matching your child with a fabulous book for independent reading. He/she should be able to read most of the words in the book he/she is reading.

3. OFFER CHOICE:

Have a stack of reading choices available. Don’t discredit any “type” of book.

Is your child a baker? Read recipes or reviews!

Love to laugh? Collect comics.

Enjoy history? Try historical fiction.

Lacking stamina? Graphic novels might be just what you need!

4. MODEL:

Do you have a stack of books on your end table? Coffee table? Kitchen table? Do you share articles or discuss what you are reading with your children? Let your children see you reading books, magazines, newspapers, directions, and everything else you read all day!

5. READ ALOUD:

Keep reading aloud, no matter how old your child is. Have fun! Use an engaging voice, laugh, cry, question, and discuss as you read together.