August 25, 2025

Back to School Success!

Reading Tips for a Strong Start

The smell of sharpened pencils, the squeak of new sneakers, the buzz of excitement in the hallways—it’s that time again! The start of a new school year brings fresh beginnings, new routines, and endless opportunities for growth. One of the most powerful ways to set your child up for success? Helping them build strong reading habits right from the start.

Here are some fun, parent-friendly tips to make reading a joyful (and effective!) part of your back-to-school routine:

1. Build a “Book Basket” for Home

Instead of hunting for a library book under the couch when homework time hits, create a designated spot for books at home. A simple basket, bin, or shelf works wonders. Fill it with a mix of:

School library books
Family favorites
Magazines or comics your child enjoys
New titles for a bit of excitement

When books are easy to grab, reading feels less like a chore and more like a choice.

2. Create a Reading Routine That Sticks

Children thrive on predictability. Whether it’s 15 minutes before school, after dinner, or right before bed, anchor reading to a daily routine. Keep it short and sweet—consistent practice matters more than marathon sessions.

Pro tip: Pair reading with a daily habit (like brushing teeth or bedtime snuggles). That way, it becomes part of the day that kids can count on.

3. Read With Your Child, Not Just To Them

Yes, reading aloud is magical—but kids also benefit when we share the experience. Try these ideas:

Echo reading: You read a line, then they echo it back.
Choral reading: Read in unison, like a duet.
Switch-off reading: Take turns with pages or characters.

This keeps kids engaged and helps them hear fluent reading modeled in a fun, interactive way.

4. Talk About Books Like You Talk About TV Shows

Kids love to chat about their favorite characters on TV—why not books, too? After reading, ask simple questions:

“Which character would you want to be friends with?”
“What surprised you?”
“What do you think will happen next?”

These conversations build comprehension skills without feeling like schoolwork.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Finished a chapter book? Read every night this week? Sounded out a tricky word? Celebrate it! A high-five, a sticker chart, or even a “special reading snack” can make a big difference. Kids who feel successful want to keep reading

6. Don’t Forget to Read Aloud—Even for Older Kids

Think your middle schooler is “too old” for read-alouds? Nope! Kids love hearing stories, no matter their age. Reading aloud introduces them to new vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and genres they might not pick on their own. Plus, it’s a great way to bond.

Need ideas for fantastic middle grades read-alouds? Check out Edutopia's list of chapter books or Goodreads list of popular picture books for middle schoolers.

7. Connect Books to Real Life

Is your child reading about animals? Plan a trip to the zoo. A story about space? Step outside and stargaze. Making connections helps kids see that reading isn’t just words on a page—it’s a doorway to the world around them.

8. Show Them YOU Read, Too

Modeling matters. Let your child see you reading the newspaper, a recipe, or even scrolling an article on your phone. When kids see that reading is something adults value and enjoy, they’re more likely to adopt the habit themselves.

Final Thought: Keep It Light, Keep It Joyful

The start of school can be stressful—new teachers, new routines, maybe even new schools. Reading should be the opposite: a cozy, safe, and joyful part of your child’s day. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress, curiosity, and connection.

So grab a book, snuggle up, and start this school year with the gift of stories. You’ll be amazed at the doors it opens.

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