Diversity Views

Supporting Reading Success for Your Child

As a society, we often believe that tough love, strong words, or strict rules are the key to motivation. However, research shows that success is the greatest determiner of motivation (and future success). This applies to all young people, but especially those who are neurodivergent.

Building motivation and reading success is a team effort, relying on collaboration between families, students, and teachers. Dr Stanovich, a reading researcher, wrote about the Matthew Effect, the idea that good readers read more, which causes them to become better readers. In contrast, poorer readers tend to shy away from reading, negatively impacting their growth. This means that if we want our children to become good readers, we need to actively build their motivation.

As a literacy teacher, I often hear parents lament the challenge of getting their child to read, particularly young people who struggle with attention or are dyslexic. Part of the issue lies in choosing books that are at the right level and can hold their interest. Choosing a book at the right level is quite simple. Have your child read about 100 words; if they make more than five mistakes, the book is above their frustration level and is too hard. We want young people to read books that allow them to automatically apply the reading strategies they have been taught.

Helping your child find the right book is like Goldilocks' hunt for the right porridge—don’t stop until you find the one that is just right. At Trinity College, we have incredible library staff to help your child on this journey; they just need to ask. For students who are accessing our support programs (MACQLIT, reading and writing classes, or LEAP), these teachers are also available to help.

Lastly, remember that if we want our children to be readers, then we need to be readers ourselves.

"PINC" Parent Information Night

1 August 2024

Our first PINC event is fast approaching, and it is not too late to grab a spot (we have eight left). The event begins at 6.30pm with a welcome drink and nibbles before the formal aspect commences at 7.00pm. We cannot wait to see you then!