Q. How can I make my child a reader?

A. Only 45 percent of fourth graders and 19 percent of eighth graders read daily for fun. The average child spends 6.5 hours a day in front of a screen (however, this stat is from before Covid): TV, video, computer or gaming system. Here are some ideas for increasing the time your child reads:

• Be a reader yourself. Make sure your child sees YOU read every day.

• Read your child stories. Make reading aloud part of your daily ritual, even after your child can read on his or her own.

• Encourage your child to ask questions about the book you are reading to him or her and ask them yourself. "What do you think will happen now?"

• Limit your child's screen time.  Be involved in how your child spends his or her screen time. 

• When your child reads to you, be patient, listen attentively and don't correct too often.

• Keep new reading material coming. Make regular trips to the bookstore or library. Get your child his own library card or even a magazine subscription. Make the experience of reading and getting new books exciting!

• Expand your child's vocabulary by explaining new words you come across when reading together.

• Have children practice reading to younger siblings or even pets. A dog or cat can be a wonderful listener!

• Pick books at the right level, because material that's too hard can be discouraging for kids. (This is why students should not jump into the Harry Potter books too quickly.)

• Be aware of what your child enjoys. If he or she likes an author, help him or her find more of that author's work. Encourage him or her to explore subjects of interest. 

• Help your child learn how to locate good books and find book recommendations.  

• Take your child to the public library regularly. Allow him or her to CHOOSE books that they want to read. 

• Allow your student to sometimes read "up or down," meaning that it's okay for a student to read a book that is too easy. Similarly, it's okay for a student to want to challenge him or herself within reason.

• As students get older, the books get more difficult. Consider bridging that gap with graphic novels, which can include a lot of challenging text with a high lexile. 

• Don't forget about nonfiction choices. Older students will be increasingly expected to read complex nonfiction articles, textbooks, and full-length books. Fortunately, there are many high-interest nonfiction selections for young people. 

• Lastly, try not to be critical of your student's reading choices beyond overseeing what is appropriate. Students who read comic books, sports magazines, or romances might be writing them as adults. The important thing is to keep 'em reading. If your child consistently chooses books that you believe are too easy for him or her, nudge them toward more challenging choices and encourage a variety of selections. 

Resources: 

Willingham, Daniel. Raising Kids Who Read: What Parents and Teachers Can Do. Jossey-Bass, 2015.