We want to help you build strong readers at home too!

There have been many studies on how to make readers. These tips have been gleaned from many sources, some of which are listed at the end.

1. Read every day. For younger children, reading a picture book or two each day is a great idea. For older, independent readers, reading for twenty minutes a day is a good way to help their reading levels improve. They could aim for reading a book a week.
2. Model reading for your children. Read aloud with them, even in middle school and high school. Read silently while they read.
3. Set aside family reading time each day. Turn off the devices, the TV, the music and other distractions. Sit together in the living room and everybody reads. You as parents may find it becomes very calming and reduces stress for you as well.
4. Set aside a place for reading that is comfortable and has good lighting. Our kids may prefer to read on the floor, on the couch, on the bed, or at a table. Help them decide how to get comfortable when they read, and make that their spot!
5. Let your child choose the reading materials. It is okay if they read graphic novels, the newspaper, magazines, picture books at any age, novels or nonfiction. Choice is Key One!
6. Ask them some (not too many) questions about what they are reading. How do you like that book? What part do you like best? What do you think of the main character? Would he/she be a good friend to have? What do you wish the author had done? How do you like the illustrations? What is your favorite part of the book? Did you like the ending? Why/Why Not?
7. Have reading materials in the home. Have a variety.
8. Visit the public library and bookstores.
9. Teach them it is okay to stop reading something they don't care for.
10. Teach them it is okay to read some books in part while others are for reading completely.
11. Let them read in their comfort zone. Avoid discussing their reading levels or Lexile levels with them. That is not helpful and may be harmful.
12. Let them re-read books as often as they please.
13. Help them learn to care for books properly.
14. To each his own. They may not like the books you loved at their age. The books we loved may actually be outdated to our kids. I loved Nancy Drew books, but now I see the stereotypes and prejudices rampant throughout the old ones. If they don't like a book, they have their own reasons. Relax! As long as they are reading, celebrate!

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