As both an educator and a mom, I am always thinking about learning. I taught for many years in the public school system in NYC and have seen lots of students lag behind in reading. In fact, most of my students even confessed that they hated reading! This is not a post that explains the reasons many students fall behind or the merits of testing. In fact, I don’t want to talk about reading levels at all. For me, the most important thing that can be given to your child is a love for books. Here’s how…
Start Early: I cannot tell you how many times students told me that they never had someone to read to them. For a variety of reasons, parents often discount the importance of this in the development of their child’s love for reading. Many parents argue that they don’t have time (work outside the home moms, I hear you!), but even one single book a night shows your child that reading is important. Would you forego brushing your child’s teeth, giving them a bath, or feeding them a meal because you didn’t have time? Reading is just as important! Build it into your nightly routine and watch your child blossom! I began reading to my daughter at only three days old, each night. While I’m pretty sure there were times she was chewing on the books more than anything, she now enjoys her books and she’s only two years old.
Have Lots of Books Available: My daughter and I have books all over the house. There are some in her room, our living room, and even in our car. When the mood strikes her, we often stop what we are doing and cuddle up with a good book. Sometimes she even “reads” on her own. Essentially she flips through the pages of her book on her own, and often has some sort of undecipherable conversation with herself. You don’t have to run to Barnes and Noble and buy hundreds of books! The idea is to have books around your home, even if there are only a few. Place them in a bin and allow your child to choose them, handle them, and even chew on them! Books are meant to be broken in and used. Your local library probably has a book sale every now and again. Check them out for some amazing deals on some sturdy board books which are perfect for babies and toddlers.
It’s Not Actually About Reading: When I began reading to my daughter, sometimes she would flip pages, skip some, and pause to point to and identify pictures and objects. This is perfectly normal! Don’t worry if your child doesn’t want to read a book cover to cover, but wants to look at the fascinating pictures inside. This is where they are really exploring the magic of reading! Pictures are very much a part of the story itself and of our language. Allow your child to identify familiar objects, animals, and colors in the text. This is all part of the process of learning to read. Never force your child! If they want you to read a book over and over again (yes, I can recite Goodnight, Moon in my sleep) let them do it!
Read Some Helpful Books: Don’t know where to start? While I love books myself, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of children’s books that line book store and library shelves. As an adolescent educator, I can point students to some of the best Young Adult Literature, but Children’s Literature was definitely not my thing. I had to do some research and found two great books that offer some wonderful information. I absolutely fell in love with The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease and Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky. Both books discuss the merits of reading aloud, ignoring pressures to have your child reading at a certain age, and helpful hints and stories for you to use. If you aren’t familiar with children’s literature, go check out Trelease’s extensive list of texts for all ages.
Make Friends with Your Local Library: I have to admit that when I applied for a library card two years ago, I hadn’t stepped foot in an actual library in years. What a fantastic resource it is! Most libraries have classes for all ages which include rhymes, story time, and even book clubs for older children. The best part? They are all free! Not to mention that your local librarian can offer plenty of insight on titles that your child might enjoy. It’s a free resource so use it as much as you can. Not happy with the library in your town? Check out the libraries in the surrounding towns for additional classes and resources. It’s also a wonderful thing to get into the habit of bringing your child to the library, and a change of scenery is always exciting to a child.
There are so many ways to connect your child with reading. Forcing them or using reading as a punishment is something I never recommend. Read to and with your children and find books together. If you aren’t a lover of literature yourself, now is the time to start from ground zero and get lost in a great book. You would be benefiting both yourself and your child and what could be better than that?
What are some ways you have encouraged your child to read?
What are some of your favorite books?
