One crucial way we, as parents, can help our children set a reading habit is by instilling the value of a reading. Strong readers set reading goals. There are many added benefits children gain by being readers. Research has shown that strong readers have improved concentration, memory, and critical thinking skills to name a few. As a parent, you can help your child by modeling your own healthy reading habit and by helping to set up your child’s.
Build A Reading Habit
Here are 3 steps to get reading:
- Set a Routine. Create a “Reading Date.” Put it on your child’s daily schedule. As a parent, I find that it fits nicely as part of our morning or evening routine. The key is consistency- so make sure it is the same time each day. Additionally, I like my kids to pick a spot that is comfortable for them. And that’s where the fun comes in. Let them get creative by designing their special “spot/nook.” My boys loved building “reading forts” when they were younger.
2. Set a Reading Goal. Parents we know how important it is for us to start teaching are children the value of goal setting and what better way than with a goal of finishing their “just right” book.
“Little goals are the best way to get kids moving toward big goals,” says Jim Wiltens, a leadership-training instructor in the San Francisco-area schools. “Meeting a goal gives kids an incredible surge of energy.””
I like to use a reading log that allows my children to record the pages read as well as the time spent on reading. Here is a link for the one I use. http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson141/log.pdf
On You Mark Get Set- Read
3. Set the Timer. Make sure to set an age-appropriate time, especially for students who are just building their reading stamina.
“Reading stamina is a child’s ability to focus and read independently for a period of time and is something that ideally grows over the course of time. How long children will be able to read depends, of course, on a number of factors such as their age, their access to materials that interest them, and their experience with reading. While there are no absolutely firm numbers, experts generally agree that by the middle to the end of the year, kindergartners should be able to read for up to 15 minutes, first graders up to 20 minutes, second graders up to 25 minutes, and so on.” – Children’s Literacy Initiative (cli.org)
So by keeping track of your child’s pages read and the amount of time spent, you both will start to see growth in no time. Remember reading is the root that lays the foundation for academic success. Start a reading habit with your today.
