As parents we all want our kids to become avid readers and book lovers. Reading great books builds comprehension, increase reading stamina as well as test scores. Reading should be fun and create magical moments for you and your child. This checklist gives parents ideas on how to create "bookworms" and those who read for life. 1.Try audiobooks
Hearing fluent reading from an audiobook definitely counts a reading. Check out audiobooks from your local library or audible.com. Listen to great classics such as Roll of Thunder , Hear by Mildred D. Taylor or Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume in the car to and from your kid's games.
2. Show your love of reading.
The old saying "do as I say not as I do" does not apply to reading. Your children should see you "practicing what you preach." We know our kids imitate what do and so as parents we should saturate our home with books and model reading those books every day.
3. Go Watch The Movie After The Book.
The book-turned movies are endless. We know kids love movies and the promise to go see the movie after finishing the entire book is a great motivator. I've found many book movies that I've read were not always out in theaters at the time of the readings. However, there is a great possibility they can be viewed on other platforms such as Netflix or Youtube for a minimal fee or even for free. Popular classics such as Tale of Despereaux, Bridge to Terabithia, or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been turned into movies. (Just to name a few)
4.Scatter Books Throughout Your Home.
Leave trails of books throughout your home. During those quiet moments of down time or transitioning to the next activity around your house books out in the open is a compelling reminder for you and your child to read. A big basket full of enticing books with appealing titles and covers that will be hard to avoid .In our busy lives we all need reminders to take such actions as reading great books.
5. Inquire About Your Child's Interests.
When considering what books to select for your child take time to examine their personal interests and passion. Knowing what interest him or her will help finding books much easier. Does your child love animals? Cars? Rockets? Sports? For example, if they are fascinated with the solar system research your local library and check as many books on the topic to create a natural desire to read in abundance.
6. Build a Reading Room.
Designate a special place in your home reserved for reading. Kids love having something they can help co-create that's appealing. With your child create a fun fort, rain forest, or any reading nook or area that your child would love. www.teepeejoy.com/blog/reading-nook-ideas/ as ideas on how to get started on creating an environment conducive for fun reading.
7. Go See Books Live.
After your child reads his or her favorite book check your local performing art or musical theaters for an extension activity. If your child loves fiction book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters for example by John Steptoe take them to see the play. I subscribe to our local music theater newsletters and receive schedules for the weekly plays based on popular books to my inbox. So my daughter was able to see many books she'd read during the summer months. Also, maybe your books are nonfiction and you are reading about planets and the solar system. Visit a planetarium and build on the knowledge that they are already learning anyway from their books.
8. Read Alouds.
Reading to your child has been found (overwhelmingly!) to be a great predictor of reading success. Listening to stories and good reading increases vocabulary and comprehension skills. Reading to your child encourages reluctant readers to become readers themselves. Students listen to what fluent reading sounds like. They have access above their grade level that provides rich vocabulary and stories It's a great way to spend meaningful time with your child while they gain the added benefit of learning something new.
9. Shared Reading.
Believe it or not taking turns reading a book is a great idea for all ages. Shared reading is simply you and your children "sharing" in the reading. Select a book of great interest that will spark a conversation with your child. You as the parent can take the lead and read the first page or two and then your child reads the next page or two. Of course, how much your child reads is dependent on age and reading ability. Instead of alternating pages you and your reader might alternate smaller chunks of a page or paragraph. Shared reading gives your child a break from reading and allows him or her to just his enjoy the book while increasing his listening comprehension. This is a great way to create a safe and comfortable environment where fluent reading is modeled especially for reluctant or struggling readers.
10. Read Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are a great choice to inspire most reluctant readers. The illustrations keep readers' minds thinking with the combined text and pictures. They are engaging and have complex plots, characters, and conflicts like any other traditional genre of reading. The photos and pictures aids in getting kids through stories that they may have otherwise understood or comprehended. Just browse your library's graphic novel section or do a google search to see what might interest your child. All reading counts!
If you are looking for a list of books that will jumpstart your child's reading click on the link below and access over 100 book titles that your child can use as a guide to find many books that will ignite their reading and ultimately help advance his or her reading skills!
About the Author
Shauntelle is a former classroom teacher turned homeschool mom and now business owner. She is an educator with 22 years of experience who teaches students how to discover the joy and power of reading and learning as director of the Ahead Of The Curve Homeschool Academy that offers affordable live virtual classes that are taught by certified and experienced teachers who challenges, loves, and build stronger children prepared for higher education. Her Ph.D. research is the role of Parental Involvement and Literacy achievement. In Shauntelle's spare time she is reading, watching basketball, and laughing with her husband and daughter Author Madelyn Grace.
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