There is so many things competing for your child's attention these days. From the never-ending sound bites and dance trends on Tik Tok to the Roblox skins and Fortnite Battle Passes, and everything in between. Trying to get sustained attention from our kids is not an easy task. I'm all for kids having fun down time because yes, they need an outlet that makes them laugh and feel good, especially after spending hours in school having to sit and listen; and follow rules.
Reading is one of the best ways to build your child's vocabulary and language development. Studies show that when a child reads independently for at least 20 minutes a day they are exposed to 1.8 million words each school year. When you child knows more words, they also become better writers as they can use words to articulate their thoughts and make their writing more interesting.
So, if you've been wondering how to integrate reading into your child's day here are some tips to get you and your little one started.
1. Talk with your child and take inventory on what topics and genres they show interest in. Do they enjoy funny character fiction books or non-fiction books about animals or different places? Would they like to read about a favorite celebrity or YouTuber. Maybe they are interested in gaming. Find books about what they like to peak their interest in reading more.
2. If your child loves to use their tablet or PC download some E Books for them. If you have a reluctant reader, you can set a timer where they go between game play and reading. For a reluctant reader you can also start with reading for 10 minutes a day or only on specific days during the week. When you do this, the amount of time they are able to read will increase overtime. You don't want reading to be seen as a punishment or they will continue to complain and resist.
3. Take them to the LIBRARY! Let them wonder around the children's room and select books they like. Take advantage of the free programs that the libraries have to offer. It is great to just read for enjoyment because when they are in school, they will be taught specific content. When they read on their own, they build their background knowledge which will help them connect and better understand what they learn at school.
4. When they read ask them lots of questions. The purpose of reading is to build their comprehension. You want to make sure they understand. Ask 5 W questions for fiction stories: Who is the story about? What is happening in the story? Why is the character happy or sad? When does the story take place? Where does the story take place? What is the story mostly about? What do you think were the most important parts of the story? Why do you think that? How did the character change? For nonfiction, have them explain some facts they learned after reading.
5. Have your child use their imaginations to write their own story. They can read it and share it with you or even share it in class.
Lastly, reach out to your child's teacher for valuable information on reading apps such as www.getepic.com (parents can sign up for free) or at home use of reading programs like Raz-Kids. For nonfiction readers www.uniteforliteracy.com is completely free and easy to use.
Feel free to reach out to me for anymore tips or strategies to enhance your child's reading engagement.
In an interview, the singer Jill Scott stated, "I sing because I can. I write because I can't help it." These two short, yet profound sentences pretty much encompass my story. So similarly, relating to myself I'd say: "I teach because I can. I write because I can't help it." And writing has been my passion my entire life. I was the 8-year-old kid with a yellow legal pad creating characters, while my brothers and cousins begged me to play tag. No matter how many roadblocks, interruptions,...