Dear Teachers Q & A
Hooking Children on Reading
Question: My children who are currently in second and fourth grades are just barely reading on grade level. What can I do this summer to help them up their reading level and get them hooked on books? – Need a Plan
Answer: Most unmotivated readers don’t associate reading with the word “fun.” They limit their reading to school assignments. Start off by reading to your children every day. Select reading material that will make them laugh. Poems written by Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelusky and Bruce Lansky will definitely tickle their funny bones. You will be able to get other good suggestions from your local librarian or the library’s web page. Once they see that reading can be fun, your children will be readier to tackle some reading on their own.
Begin by having them read material that is fun and that caters to their interests. If you can find books that are slightly below their reading level, they will feel more confident of their reading ability and likely read more. Plus, the more they read, the more their reading will improve.
You can further build your children’s excitement about reading by helping them become active readers. We do not mean they are to run around the room as they read. No, they are to become interactive with the printed page. You can help them learn how to do this by asking them questions about what they think will be happening next in a story when you read to them. Also, have discussions with them about the author’s point of view in what you or they are reading.
Select from the activities below to help your children become even more excited about reading:
- Have great reading materials spread throughout your home, from magazines to vacation brochures.
- Be sure each child has his or her personal collection of fiction and nonfiction books.
- Start an online book club or a neighborhood one if social distancing has been lifted.
- Have your children take part in the summer reading program at your library if one is available.
- Give kids a magazine subscription.
- Let them stay up at night an extra 15 or 30 minutes to read in bed.
In addition to getting them excited about reading, attending a summer school program at elementary schools, colleges and learning centersjUNE 2021, if these are available, can usually improve children’s reading skills.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website.
©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2020