10 At Home Reading Reinforcers

Studies show the average U.S. Student spends hours each day with electronic media (TV, Computer, Game Systems) but only minutes reading. And that's just not enough, literacy experts say. Strong readers make successful learners. The more your child reads, the better reader (and student) he or she will be! Here are tips for encouraging reading:

Daily Reading Time At Home

• Help your child set aside daily reading time at home 15-30 minutes after dinner or before bedtime to read books at a comfortable, just right reading level in different genres.

Be A Good (Reading) Example

• When it's reading time for your child, pick up a book or magazine yourself.

No Holiday For Reading

• Your child's reading habit should be just that, daily, even during vacations. Take along books or books on tape that the whole family will enjoy for your next car trip.

Family Read Aloud

• Turn off the TV and start a family tradition with a childhood favorite, reading a chapter or two together each night. Even teens may like read-aloud time when it means a few extra minutes with Mom or Dad.

Reader's Choice

• Ask your reluctant reader to select his own reading material. This will help to spark your child's excitement to read.

Card Carrying Member

• Help your child obtain his own personal library card.
• Visit used book stores, garage sales, book swaps, library sales and school book sales.

Build A Library

• Help your child build his own personal library.
• Visit used book stores, garage sales, book swaps, library sales and school book sales.

Join A Book Club/Group

• Your older child may enjoy reading and discussing a book with friends.

Reading Is Everywhere

• Don't stop with books. Point out and read store marquees, cereal boxes, road signs, menus, game directions, and more.

Watch For Reading Problems

• Know what's expected at your child's grade level and ask your child's teacher about his or her progress at school.
• If your child has trouble with routine reading, he or she may benefit from extra reading support at school or with a tutor.

 

Research shows that the personalized one-on-one attention of tutoring allows students to make significant improvements in academic achievement and builds self-esteem and confidence.