Tips to encourage children to read
Palm Beach Post
With children about to start the new school year, here are some tips to help them embrace reading and boost their reading skills as they shift gears from the relaxed pace of summer to the more rigid academic routine.
- Boost brainpower by making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and starts the day with a nutritious breakfast to give them fuel to last until lunchtime. A set bedtime schedule and nutritious meals will help kids feel rested, alert and ready to learn.
- Read aloud with your child at least 15 minutes a day. Let them select the book. Tell your child often how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Your attention lets them know they are loved and special. As your child’s first teacher, you are helping your child develop life skills that are important and set the stage for academic success in the classroom and in life.
- Create a media plan with your child. Agree on the appropriate use of the various forms of media that will support academic goals as well as enhance daily life. To help develop a media plan that works for your child, family values and parenting style, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
- Set learning goals by discussing with your child what he or she would like to accomplish during the school year. For example, if your child struggles with reading fluently, discuss how you can work together on specific strategies to help them become a more fluent reader such as reading the same books over and over again.
- Anytime, anywhere learning: Make reading a part of everyday activities. Entice children to read by having a large selection of books and magazines at their reading level throughout the home, in the car, and ready to take everywhere. Read signs, work on a shopping list and play ”I Spy” games. Visit the library with your kids and allow them to choose books.
— Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
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