Help Your Children Fall in Love with Reading!

Reading is a gift from God that connects us to people around the globe and throughout history, opening up worlds of ideas and the power of stories in our lives.

Unfortunately, today, the percentage of children who are avid readers is lower than ever, and it can be difficult to ignite in students a love of reading when we're competing with all the screens and media present in today's culture. But we can't give up!

Here are Four Ways parents can help their children catch an enthusiasm for reading. 

1. First and most vital: Read Aloud!

Reading aloud is the single greatest tool in igniting a love of reading in children, and its benefits truly can't be underestimated.

Reading aloud allows children to enjoy a story that is too difficult for them to read themselves. Generally, children can understand a story at least two grade levels above their independent reading ability. When we read to them, we give them a vision of the kind of books they'll be able to read for themselves someday.

Through read-alouds, a student's imagination grows. Converting text that you read or hear into action in your mind is a learned skill. Listening to stories helps them gain that skill earlier – leading to more enjoyment of reading.

A story read aloud also bonds them with the reader and everyone else enjoying the story. Afterward, your family can discuss the story together. In addition to all those benefits, reading aloud accomplishes things I haven't found any other way to do. For instance, it demonstrates the old adage, "You can't judge a book by its cover." I don't know how many times we started a book my kids were not enthused about, only to find them hooked and loving it mid-way through. This also teaches kids patience. Maybe the book doesn't start with action from the first page, but reading together gives the students time to get into it. Too often, kids left to their own devices will start a book and drop it when it doesn't catch them right away. Sometimes, that's ok, of course, but if it's a regular pattern, the student may never develop the patience for longer, more complex literature.

2. Choice

Give students a choice in what they read. This is critical. Kids will be more enthused about a book they choose, and getting to choose helps them discover what kind of books they enjoy.

What if a book is too easy? Reading books that are easy develops reading speed and fluency. And who doesn't like to revisit old, familiar favorites? The lesson that reading can be relaxing is a great one, too.

What if it's too hard? The student will discover that. A little trial and error can help them learn how to find books at their level. Or maybe if it's something they are highly motivated to read, they will rise to the challenge and work through it.

3. Focus on the joy

Reading is not a chore or a punishment. It's not something children need to "get through" to gain the privilege of doing other things that are more fun. Reading is a reward!

Books make great gifts. Going to the library or bookstore together is a treat. Let kids stay up a bit past their normal bedtime if they're reading. Creating a positive family climate around books can go a long way to helping kids catch an enthusiasm for reading. 

4. Be a role model

Model reading habits. Sharing with your students what you're reading can help them catch your enthusiasm. Give students an opportunity to share, too. Enthusiasm is contagious.

If you'd like to hear more, here is a link to a podcast interview I did on this subject:

Encouraging a Love of Reading 

For even more information, two great books on the topic are The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller[1] and The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease[2]. Both of these are available in our school library.

Mrs. Tricia Fraser
Librarian

tfraser@icsbudapest.org