"Your boys are such good readers! I wish mine loved to read like yours do! How did you do that?"
Can parents build good readers? How do parents build good readers? This might seem like a daunting question, a task too difficult to tackle. But truly, it does not have to be.
As our children grow and become readers on their own accord they often feel that they do not need or want parents to read to them. It is very common for this to happen, but as their parents, it is our job to push back.
We must find times to read to our children. That might mean reading aloud looks different as they get older. Maybe instead of before bed; you are reading at the dinner table, as they are playing, or during snack time. The point is to share books that will pique their interest and hold their attention. You might have to choose books you might not otherwise choose. The key to reading aloud is to model reading for them and to show them that reading is important and enjoyable.
In addition to reading to our children, we need to read our own books in front of them. They need to see us reading to see the value in becoming lifelong readers. You should be reading and sharing what you have read by talking about the book, magazine, newspaper at dinner or other times.
At home, reading should be fun. Children learn how to read from a teacher. When you are reading for pleasure do not teach reading skills, just make reading enjoyable!
For more tips on Building Good Readers check out this resource:
Can parents build good readers? How do parents build good readers? This might seem like a daunting question, a task too difficult to tackle. But truly, it does not have to be.
As our children grow and become readers on their own accord they often feel that they do not need or want parents to read to them. It is very common for this to happen, but as their parents, it is our job to push back.
Readers are not born, they are made.
We must find times to read to our children. That might mean reading aloud looks different as they get older. Maybe instead of before bed; you are reading at the dinner table, as they are playing, or during snack time. The point is to share books that will pique their interest and hold their attention. You might have to choose books you might not otherwise choose. The key to reading aloud is to model reading for them and to show them that reading is important and enjoyable.
In addition to reading to our children, we need to read our own books in front of them. They need to see us reading to see the value in becoming lifelong readers. You should be reading and sharing what you have read by talking about the book, magazine, newspaper at dinner or other times.
At home, reading should be fun. Children learn how to read from a teacher. When you are reading for pleasure do not teach reading skills, just make reading enjoyable!
For more tips on Building Good Readers check out this resource:
Totally agree with this post! I have 4 boys (11-2 years old) and a baby girl on the way. People always say with emphasis on the "boy" how amazing it is that they love to read. But that has always been my goal. I think the first step is not thinking they are incapable of enjoying reading and being great readers "because they are boys." Secondly, start young like you said. I too use books to assist with tummy time. When they start eating solids on their own in a high chair, I read to them to help them finish their meal and sometimes eat things I don't otherwise think they would because they are distracted by the story/book. I still cuddle up and read with my 11 1/2 year old. Wonderful post! Glad you're back!
ReplyDeleteYES! You are so right, Shelley!
ReplyDelete