I hope the start to the new school year has been smooth for all of you!
As we get back into the swing of school routines, one of the most important routines is getting kids to read regularly. I've learned over the years, as a teacher and as a parent, that reading logs and required minutes are not the best way to establish this critical habit. Even kids who enjoy reading will resist these requirements at some time or another. In my opinion, the most powerful motivator to getting kids to read is for the adults in their lives to model reading behavior themselves. Think about it; if we haven't read a book in years and make it known that we hate to read how can we expect our kids to read, much less like it? If we say we would like to read more but simply can't find the time, how can we expect our kids to find the time? Showing your kids you have a reading habit doesn't have to be time consuming. Who knows, you might even realize how much you've missed reading! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make a habit of reading the news every morning. It can be a newspaper spread out on the kitchen table or online news on your computer or tablet. As long as your kids see you spending a few minutes every morning reading, the message is clear: Reading helps get your day started.
- Start a family tradition of going to the library or bookstore once a month or once every two weeks as your schedule allows. Everyone in the family should be actively looking for a book. If you have little ones who can't be left unattended, take turns going to different sections so you're not spending the whole time in the kids' section. They will learn that you have a reading life of your own and they will learn to be patient and take turns! Win-Win.
- Pick a chapter book for a bedtime read aloud and then make a habit of reading a little every night with your kids. Maybe a book that you loved as a child would make a good choice. Family bonding at its finest!
- Talk with your child about what kinds of books he or she likes and work together to pick one that you are both interested in. Get two copies and read it independently but during the same time period. Talk about the story regularly and set goals for finishing chapters or sections. A little friendly competition is good for the soul and the reading habit!
- Ease yourself back into the reading habit by selecting a middle grade or young adult title. Books "for kids" are some of the best reading around right now and their deep plots are proving they're not actually just for kids. Not all reading needs to be War and Peace! Here are a few titles I've read recently that I absolutely loved:
So, to get your kids firmly established in the reading habit, you need to read yourself! It's pretty simple and fun!
Until next time, happy reading!
Mrs. Wagner
