Promoting reading at home is vital for a child’s academic success. Children should be reading a minimum of 30 minutes every day. Reading daily will improve a child’s vocabulary, comprehension skills, listening and fluency skills, and overall oral reading skills. Children who read daily have increased overall academic performance. How can parents encourage reading at home? Here are some simple tips:
Read Together:
Reading with your child is a wonderful bonding experience. No matter their age, reading together is important. It strengthens the parent and child relationship while enhancing your child’s reading skills. Grab a book of interest and read together with your child. Be sure to alternate the way you read together too. Take turns reading to each other and reading in unison! This helps build fluency and keeps it interesting!
Set a Book Date:
Establish a weekly or bimonthly date with your child. Visit the local library or book store. This special “date” with your child creates a priceless bond with your child while promoting literacy!
Game Time:
Board games are an excellent way to promote literacy. There are many games that encourage reading. Some of these games are Scrabble, Boggle, Monopoly, Beat the Parents and Hangman. Find the games that your family enjoys. Make it fun and memorable for all involved.
Book Club or Reading Olympics :
Does your school offer Reading Olympics? If so, encourage your child to join. This is a great way to promote literacy! You can also join the fun by reading the same books that your child is reading. If Reading Olympics is not an option, then start your own Book Club. Invite a few of your children’s friends. Select a few books that all participants have to read. Set a date that the book needs to be read by. On the selected day, the students will discuss the books with Q & A sessions. Incorporate some art or cooking activities that are related to the stories. This makes it more interactive and enjoyable!
Promoting literacy at home needs to be fun and engaging for all kids, no matter the grade. Find ways to make reading enjoyable for your child. Be creative and consistent. Once you find what works for your child, be certain to continue the activity. Encouraging reading at home will motivate your child to read for a lifetime! Do you have creative ways to encourage literacy at home?