Teaching and Learning 

Reading At Home

It is very exciting to stock up on fresh books for your child, especially as you get ready for a successful new school year. However, it can also be tough to choose the titles that both keep your child engaged and growing as a reader.

I came across these five useful tips that educators recommend when you’re selecting new books for your child:

1.Establish a strong starting point. Read a book at home with your child to gauge their fluency and understanding. Talk to their teacher about appropriate texts that will enhance their engagement and reading ability. If students have difficulty reading a text, or if they are sounding out many words on a page, then look for books that have more simple plots and vocabulary. 

2. Look for books that inspire self-discovery. For older children, books are a wonderful tool for helping them discover who they are. Seek out books that touch on themes like identity, self-expression, and finding one’s passions. Children want to read books that relate to the world they live in and the feelings they are having and processing.

3. Choose books that motivate and interest your child. Aim for titles your child can read on their own, and mix in a few that are more complex in storytelling and vocabulary. If books are too challenging, then children are less likely to want to read and improve their skills.

Reserve more challenging books for reading out loud with your child, and then have a discussion about the story to boost comprehension. 

4. Give your child the power of choice. Allowing your child the freedom to pick the books they want is important. Motivation weighs heavily on their excitement for reading. However, some students gravitate toward books they read aloud together in class — If parents notice their child tends to read more fiction, such as graphic novels or picture books, they could suggest some nonfiction topics they like and look for books on those topics.  

5. Find a series they love. The benefit of buying books in a series is that readers don’t have to spend a lot of time learning about the characters, the setting, and the backstory. They already know all of this and it aids with comprehension and overall enjoyment of the book.

Remember a local Library or our fabulous school Library are wonderful resources to find a selection of fascinating and diverse books for everyone.  

Peta Phillips

Acting Assistant Principal