How can a parent boost children’s reading skills? Teachers do a lot to help, but families at home also play a big role.
A large study found that many schoolchildren aren’t reading as well as they should. About 37% of 4th and 30% of 8th graders are having a tough time with reading, and only about one-third of kids in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades are good at it. So, parents need to step up and help make things better. You have the power to help your kids love reading and get good at it.
Reading isn’t just about learning to read at school; it’s like a ship that takes us through big ideas, feelings, and all sorts of information. It helps kids grow up to do well in school and their jobs, making a better future for themselves.
Research shows that being good at reading and math when you’re young can lead to a better life when you’re older, like having a better job and making more money.
Learning to read well should happen early, and it can be hard sometimes. Parents need to watch out for signs that reading is challenging for their kids, like when they can’t figure out how sounds match up to letters, or they don’t know the sounds letters make. These are signs that kids need extra help.
Good news, parents! With some simple and fun ideas at home, you can make a big difference and help your kids love reading. Here are five great ways parents can help their kids improve at reading. These tips will help kids love reading now and do well in the future.
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1. Enhance Children’s Reading Skills by Designing a Cozy Reading Corner
Create a special place just for reading. It could be a tent made of blankets, a corner with lots of pillows, or even a fort under the dining table. Fill this space with a variety of books, comics, and magazines that your kids find interesting. For example, if your child loves space, have some fantastic space adventure books and magazines about the stars and planets. This particular spot can make reading an adventure they always look forward to.
It’s another good idea to put books in places where your kids spend a lot of time, like the car, bathroom, play areas, living room, and bedrooms, so they can read every day. You can get books for free from the library and change them frequently for new topics. When children have free time, they can curiously pick up a book and try reading it. This method works well for my children.
2. Set Up a Daily Reading Time
Choose a specific time each day for reading, like before bedtime or after lunch. Make this a fun time by reading together. You could pick a long book and read a chapter each night. Think of “Harry Potter” by J. K. Rowling (For ages 9 and above) or “Where the Wild Things Are” (For ages 4-6) by Maurice Sendak. It not only helps your child get excited about what’s going to happen next in the story but also shows them that reading is something even adults enjoy.
3. Mix Reading with Technology
Use technology to make reading even more exciting. Apps and e-books can turn reading into an interactive experience. Audiobooks are perfect for times when you’re on the go. You could listen to “Charlotte’s Web” (for ages 5 and up) or “Matilda” (for ages 6 – 10) during car rides instead of the usual music. This way, your child gets to hear stories, improving their listening and imagination skills. But remember to balance screen time withholding actual books.
4. Be a Reading Role Model
Show your kids that reading is excellent. Let them see you reading your books. Share interesting facts you learn or talk about the stories you enjoy. For example, if you’re reading a mystery novel, share a bit about the plot (without giving away the ending!) and why it’s exciting. This will demonstrate that reading is a lifelong adventure, not just homework.
5. Games and Songs:
Kids love games, and you can make reading fun like a game, too. Try taking turns reading pages with your kids, or pause on a word they know and let them shout it out. It makes them more confident. Younger kids should watch sing-along videos that show the words on the screen. They’ll connect the sounds to the words they see. Older kids might enjoy karaoke with new songs, so they have to read the lyrics on the screen. These fun activities help kids get better at reading, recognizing words, and understanding them.
By making reading a fun and essential part of your family’s routine, you help your kids become better readers and maybe even lifelong book lovers. So, grab a book and start this exciting journey together!
Read more: Toys for Problem-Solving: Exploring 7 Toys that Stimulate a Child’s Imagination
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