How to Raise a Reader
ask an expert: learningcanada
(Sep.28.10)
Reading is important. What can I do to nurture my child's development?
Faye O. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Raising Readers founder Michelle Kadarusman answered:
As parents, we all want our children to be readers and for good reason; literacy is the foundation that supports our kids in their journey from preschool to university, and far beyond. Reading develops language skills, builds vocabulary and increases listening and attention aptitude. It is the cornerstone to all other learning, from writing to math and comprehending the world around us.
A reading practice is the essential ingredient to raising a reader and it’s never too early to start. Here are 12 easy ways you can support your reader at home:
- Read aloud: Reading together opens the door for your child to become a life-long reader. Sharing stories together allows the words to come alive and brings joy to the page.
- Establish a daily reading time: Most educators ask families to allocate at least 30 minutes each day, although children are often happy to spend much longer.
- Switch off the television, computer and handheld electronics during reading time: It’s tough competition for the emerging reader.
- Ensure that reading time is comfortable and relaxed.
- Encourage questions and discussion: Stop the story to answer questions. This is when children learn the meaning of new words, new concepts, places, people and ideas.
- Listen to your child read: Team read if they are struggling. The intent is that you both enjoy the story and the experience.
- Model reading: Your child needs to see, as well as hear, the value that you place on reading.
- Access and availability to a variety of books, magazines and newspapers around the house. By seeing a lot of reading material at home, your child learns that reading is essential.
- Have books ready: It’s handy to carry books on outings. There is sure to be down-time when travelling or at restaurants. Maximize on your captive audience!
- Visit the library, bookstores and yard sales: Frequent borrowing of books is key, however it is also important that your child has her own collection of favourite books. They'll learn to read by memorizing and re-reading their favourites. Second-hand bookstores and yard sales are fantastic resources to build a collection.
- Book talk: Readers prosper when an adult is there to encourage, recommend and talk about books.
- Reading is everywhere: Reading isn’t exclusive to books. Your reader can help with shopping lists, recipes and street signs. Reading opportunities are everywhere!
Michelle Kadarusman, mother of two teenagers, is an early childhood educator and founder of Raising Readers, a literacy initiative with a goal to instill a love of stories and reading in early childhood. Michelle is also a fiction contributor to ChickaDEE magazine and has written a guide titled The Raising Readers Handbook: Inspire your child to be a reader for life.
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