Read! Read! Read!
Our class is participating in the book it program, our school's Accelerated Reader program, and our daily homework of reading 30 minutes each night.
Some nights are easier than others but here are some ideas about how to squeeze in some reading time without a fight.
When will we get all this reading done?
Keep it special
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Our class is participating in the book it program, our school's Accelerated Reader program, and our daily homework of reading 30 minutes each night.
Some nights are easier than others but here are some ideas about how to squeeze in some reading time without a fight.
- Make sure the book is on their level. Too easy is boring and they will quit, too hard and they're frustrated. AR levels at our library will help!
- Interesting books. Know what interests your child and encourage them to find books in that genre.
- Owning favorite books. Repetition is helpful to improve fluency and comprehension. Reread that favorite book again.
- Keep a supply on hand. Our school library paired with a home or public library selection should give your child several options when it comes to reading time.
When will we get all this reading done?
- While on the go. How much time is spent on a commute, running errands, driving to practice? Keep books in the car to always have one available. A milk crate or extra backpack of books will keep them safe.
- While waiting. Waiting for sister's soccer practice to be over, waiting at an appointment, waiting for dinner to be done. Reading while waiting fills in a wasted empty time and has a clear end mark - when dinner is ready!
- Evening routine. Every night after dinner set the timer for 30 minutes, read 30 minutes before bed time, 30 minutes before any TV time, 30 minutes while dinner is prepared. Have your child agree on a time and stick to it!
Keep it special
- 1 on 1 time. Spend time with your child individually as a special part of the day.
- Family book. Read a book together as a family and enjoy the exciting plot and adventure that many children's books have to offer.
- Location. Reading is much more enjoyable when you are comfortable. Find cozy places to encourage your child to read.
- Praise. Reading can be tough work. Giving your child verbal praise for their accomplishments.
- Rewards. Our goal is to have reading be a reward in itself. To help kids get there, programs like book it, lunch with the teacher, or rewards set up at home can help guide the way.
- Tracking progress. Keep a list of books read, hours read, minutes read, or something to help chart the progress your child is making.
- Ownership. Owning a book can be a meaningful connection to the characters, plot, and information in a book. Inexpensive ideas include thrift stores, garage sales, used book stores, Scholastic book clubs, or trading books with friends.
Posts on More Than the ABC’s may include links to external websites. Links to external sites are not under the editing control of the author of More Than the ABC’s.