Many parents want to know how to help their child become a wonderful reader but don't know where to start.
I know it is a task that seems daunting to many parents, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many simple things you can do that will make a difference. As I started my research it occurred to me that I should start with the one thing that can change the entire dynamic. Reading. Every. Day.
There is a profound, simple truth: no matter what reading skills or strategies you are taught, you must read to become a better reader.
Reading in school is not enough to improve the reading of any child, especially one who is struggling or below grade level, which is the majority of students in the US. Children who read an hour or more at night are in the top 10% and those who read less than 10 minutes at night are in the lowest 10%. The question then becomes how do we get our kids to read at home, at night, on the weekend, and even on vacation?
It has to be fun, enjoyable, and something they want to do. Once we turn it into a dreary task it becomes the enemy.
Another truth I believe is that sometimes it is not what you say, but how you say it. I once saw a parent of a struggling middle school boy hand him WAR AND PEACE and demand he read it because it was an award-winning book. How well do you think that went? Here are my thoughts:
1. Not them you. You are the first and most important teacher they will ever have. Lead by example. If they see you reading it will tell them that reading is a good and important thing you should do. Let them grow up from babies surrounded by books and a love of reading. I take that back. Start in utero.
2. Read to them every day. It is the perfect bedtime routine. Chapter books for older kids will send their dreams to wonderful places. As a teacher, I would read a chapter a day to fifth graders who sat on the floor listening and often asking for one more chapter. One year, I had 7th and 8th graders in an after-school program. We were brainstorming ideas about what we wanted our reading group to look like. They looked around my class and, seeing sets of picture books, asked if they could all pick one to read aloud and discuss. There are some outstanding picture books out there and you will soon see the layers to every story. It was spectacular. We talked about everything from urban gardens to war. The end goal of good reading is to understand and evaluate information. Discussion is the best way to do that. I think it was one of the best times I ever had teaching.
3. Let them have a choice in what they read. Even if you love WIMPY KID, they may not. If they have an avid interest in something like football, or cooking, non-fiction books could be the perfect choice. They should read fiction and non-fiction. Don’t think it all has to be WAR AND PEACE.
4. Take them to the library. Build the excitement as they get their own library card. It is perhaps one of the best places to go and is completely free. Many don’t even charge late fees anymore. But please care for and return these books so others can love them as well. Public libraries often have more than books. Computers, movies, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and classes in just about everything. Mine even has a 3D printer you can use.
5. FUN! Fun is the secret sauce to making reading happen. Whether it's joke books, animal care, graphic novels, or mysteries, let them pick stories that excite and engage them. Remember, every page turned is a step closer to becoming a great lifelong reader!”
The journey to raising a great reader starts today. Pick a book, carve out some time, and watch the magic of reading enrich your child's life.
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