Encouraging Children to Read at Home

Reading is arguably the most important skill that your elementary school student needs to master. Without reading, there is no writing, no advanced math, no science, nothing: Everything starts with reading. A recent report from the Center for Public Education speaks to the importance of raising strong readers; "Students who don't have strong reading skills will struggle through school and may not be able to reach the college level. If their reading skills remain limited as adults, they are likely to be restricted to low-wage positions."

Children learn important oral and print recognition skills at the preschool level. In the first grade, they learn to associate sounds with letters and begin to recognize words. Reading at home can support and enhance this process, and open the door to a lifetime of learning.

How can you encourage your child to read at home?

Read together - Reading with your child before bedtime encourages the enjoyment of books. It only takes minutes to read a simple book, and yet the rewards are so great. Beginning readers can also practice reading aloud to you. Choose simple beginning reader books and board books to get them started.

Let your child choose the books - When your child is in school, they are told which pages to read and which subjects to study. At home, change up the reading routine for your child by allowing them to choose what they read.

Talk about the book - Engaging your child in conversation about the books you read helps develop critical thinking skills. Let your child ask questions, answer them, and ask your own questions.

Get a library card - The library is a treasure-trove of books to help your child develop a love of reading. Besides the benefit of borrowing books, there are also programs such as story hours and reading groups that might be beneficial for your child.

Use books as a reward - Make reading exciting for your child by rewarding them with books. When they get a good grade, take them to the book store to choose a book. Give books for birthdays and graduations, as well.

Invest in sneaky learning toys - There are many toys on the market that disguise learning as fun games. These toys, like the Poingo reading system and the LeapFrog Tag system, will help children read even when you can't sit down with them (for instance, while dinner is cooking).

Make reading a habit - If you and your child read regularly, then reading becomes a habit. The intuitive, ingrained nature of habits is a good thing for making reading something your child just does.

Lead by example - If your child sees you reading, they are more likely to want to read themselves. So, lead them to reading by setting a positive example.

What You Need:

Books that are at your child's reading level.

Books that speak to your child's interests.