Parents will ask you, if they have not already, how they can help improve their child’s reading test scores.The ability to read well is the key to success in school and in life. Parents often want their children to become good readers, but don’t always know what to do to make that happen at home. Here are some tips that you can offer parents of your students. These tips can be given in their entirety to parents or you can pick and choose which to send home based on the situation.
Here are our top six suggestions to share with parents:
Read To Them Early and Often
Most children love to be read to. They learn to associate a story with relaxation and enjoyment. Having a child snuggled up on a lap with a book not only brings a parent and child close, but helps the child to learn vocabulary and build background knowledge about the world. They learn how books work- moving from left to right, turning pages and reading the pictures and words. Most of all, they learn that reading is fun.
Be A Role Model
Let your children see you read- books, magazines, the newspaper … whatever. Talk about your reading with others. Actions speak louder than words- if you want your child to become a reader, be one yourself.
Take Your Child to the Library
Unlike a store, in a library, children can have anything and everything they choose, and you don’t have to worry about your budget. Libraries also have story hours and activities for children. Children’s librarians are knowledgeable and can help you find just the right books for your child.
Visit a Little Free Library
If your neighborhood has a Little Free Library, visit it often, children love these little book houses where they can donate an outgrown book and choose a new one! If there isn’t one near you, consider starting one as a family project. To find a Little Free Library near you, visit the Little Free Library Website.
Start a Book Collection
As wonderful as libraries are, it is good for children to have their own books. Favorite books, like a favorite toy, can be a source of comfort and amusement. Children will pick up their favorite books and read them again and again. Nothing says “I am a reader” like owning books. If your child owns books, they will never be without something to read.
Make Reading Fun
They bottom line in all educational research about reading is the more you read, the better you will read! If children enjoy reading, they will read more. If they read more, they will read better. Don’t make reading a chore or a punishment. Make it fun. Together, you can cook a food mentioned in a children’s book. Read books in fun places like the beach or park. Give kids a flashlight and let them read in bed.
Parents are a child’s first teachers. How they approach reading can determine whether their child is a good reader, or whether they avoid reading. Encourage parents to help their child find the love of reading. Suggest that parents give their child plenty of time to read. Then, follow these same suggestions in your own classroom for a wrap-around approach that supports young readers in both their home and school environments.
Happy reading,
What other suggestions would you offer parents to help their children to become readers? We would love to hear your tips in the comments below.
Thank you so much for bringing this quality post to Fridays Blog Booster Party #20. My children have flown the nest, but your tips are just so good and practical. I am sure they will help many parents to make their children readers.
Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen We hope to provide good information for parents and teachers.
I know I read a lot more to my oldest child, who is now the biggest reader, than to my youngest, who claims she hates reading. But I also wonder if there isn’t at least something genetic involved. My first wanted to be read to constantly. She would bring books to us over and over before she could even walk. She would sit and look at books all alone for an hour when she wasn’t even a year old. I have known other kids who would not sit still to listen to even one book for years.
Hi Leslie, there is a difference in children, some have great attention spans and some can sit still earlier than others. Have you tried audio books with your younger daughter? Some kids like those, and they can move around and even listen while doing activities. Some kids don’t like reading because they just haven’t found the right book yet. Good luck, and watch for an upcoming post on kids who hate reading!
My favorite is the last suggestion – when books are fun, kids will ask for them. My daughter and I love stories that make us laugh!
Thanks Emma, it is great that you and your daughter love reading together. Funny books are kid pleasers and usually make adults smile too. Happy reading!
Great post! We have always read to our kids, every day, but lately they’re becoming bored with it. I need the reminder to make it fun, not just something that has to be done!
April, try fresh, new funny books too. A visit to a library can restock your selection and keep things interesting. Or if you have been reading picture books, try a chapter a day of a novel. If you want suggestions, let us know!
Having an older sibling who reads is helpful too. My 4yr old is trying so hard this year to learn to read because her older sister reads all the time!
Jenny, an older sibling can be a great role model! Usually younger kids do look up to their older siblings and want to do the things they are doing. This is one time where you can use that in a positive manner. Reading to a younger sibling helps the older child to be a better reader too!
These are great tips! I already have pretty good readers, but sometimes we need to focus a bit more! Thanks for this post!
Leah, thanks, it is good that your children are readers, it will serve them well in the future!
This is a great list. We are living in the Netherlands and have seen the little libraries everywhere. It’s been a great way for us to try out a few Dutch Books.
Elizabeth, how exciting to hear that there are Little Free Libraries in the Netherlands! I knew they had spread, but didn’t realize the extent of their reach. It must be fun to find books in Dutch. Maybe you can learn to read Dutch while you are living there!