Once the kids start school, their reading skills generally improve. They should have a good foundation from your preschool involvement with them; they will build on that foundation in elementary school. What can you do to support themas they begin to develop reading skills?
Meet FRED. You can still enjoy reading aloud to your children. Our local school district has a “Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED)” program that lets kids keep track of the time their dads spend reading with the and has rewards for meeting certain goals. Whether you participate in a formal program or not, try to make time to read 15-30 minutes with your kids.
Turn Off the TV. One of the major distractions during the school week is television. While we tried to respectfully balance TV with other demands in our home life, we couldn’t make it work during the week. So our rule is that the TV doesn’t go on until at least 9:00 p.m. on school nights. This allows time for meaningful interaction, homework, and reading.
Get Them a Library Card. Once our children hit first grade, we made a visit to the library to get them their own personal library card. It was a rite of passage for our children, and helped them connect more personally with library resources. And they were personally responsible for their overdue book fines.
Vary Your Reading Material. Again, keep up the habit of library participation, but try to focus on variety. Get some books for pleasure reading; but also look for biographies and books on a topic of interest for your children like science, astronomy, dinosaurs, and the like. Helping them find information in their leisure readings will prepare them for later things like research and term papers.
Reading to Younger Siblings. Especially if your child developed an early love for reading by watching your example, they will feel a desire to their younger siblings. This is a great opportunity for them and for you. Sit them both in your lap and let the older child rad the younger one. It will help them both develop better reading skills and attitudes.
What About Learning Struggles? Most often, if children don’t develop a love for reading at this stage of their lives, there may be a mild learning or reading disability. Most schools or school districts have a reading resource program. Talk to your child’s teacher or principal to find out how to get some professional help.
By: Nora Q. Castillo | Master Teacher II- Alauli Elementary School
