I can’t even begin to imagine what parents have been going through the past few months. Or, what they are going through as they try to decide whether or not to send their children back into the classroom settings as the new school year approaches. As teachers, we are accustomed to having new things thrown at us. It doesn’t mean that we like it, but we know to expect the unexpected when it comes to teaching. But, parents have found their worlds turned upside down as they try to support their little learners at home in ways that they may not have done before. This, along with the other issues they may be facing in the wake of the global health crisis, can be daunting to say the least. My goal is to support parents as they support their students. One area we can start with is reading.
It is my professional opinion that proficient reading is fundamental to academic success in all subject areas. I know that’s a lofty claim, and that this claim can make parents feel even more overwhelmed. However, I would argue that reading is possibly the easiest skill for parents to support. No fancy manipulatives or tools are needed to support a child’s reading. With internet access, a physical book isn’t even needed! Students can read in their or their parents’ native language and still practice the skills and strategies for strong comprehension. Here are four tips for supporting young readers at home:
Encourage your young reader to read every day.
Remember: Practice makes better! Just as a child would practice an instrument or a sport, the more a child reads, the better the child will become.
Model reading at home.
If your young readers see you reading, they will learn that reading is something that is valued in your family.
Talk about reading.
Ask your young reader about their book. What is it about? Are you enjoying it? Simple questions can get a great conversation going!
Create time and space for reading.
Just like flowers, readers grow under the right conditions. Reading for 15-30 minutes daily, in a quiet, well-lit area will have your readers growing in no time!
I hope that you have found these tips helpful. If you’d like a printable reminder, I have a freebie available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Grow Readers at Home FREEBIE While you’re there, check out some of my other products to support student learning. Thanks in advance!
PinaRose Education 