If you’re faced with the very real struggle between homework reading and reading “for fun,” you are not alone. Just because your child has to read for school, doesn’t mean that the love of reading needs to die.
Before you abandon a book (ahem, Dog Man) your child loves that is a bit off their ideal reading list, and pass your child a perfectly boring Level 2 paperback book, stop and think twice.
While we know that emergent readers need practice (which can be harder to get in a book that is either too hard or too easy for them), what matters a lot more in the home setting is fostering a passion for reading. Here are our top tips for balancing the requirements of school with the desires of your child:
● Keep YOUR reading time with your child. This may mean having your child listen to a book you read, or read you one of their old (and too easy) favorites. Reading before bed or early in the morning is very different from homework reading, and can build connection, vocabulary, and passion for literacy in a different (and equally important) way.
● Allow your child to have autonomy (aka choice) when it comes to what they read. This keeps them excited and engaged about the material, and encourages their natural curiosity and motivation. AND, next time your child goes to grab their favorite graphic novel off the bookshelf, think twice before you knock it. There’s compelling research that tells us graphic novels are excellent for readers.
● As your child gets older and the books for school get more complex, try talking about school books the way you would books your child chooses. This helps to keep kids focused on the stories, ideas, and action, rather than the assignment.
● Frame reading as a responsibility. Regardless of what your child reads, hold them accountable for getting their reading time in and appropriately logging their reading (if their teacher asks for it). Talk explicitly about the benefit of developing responsibility and time management, and the privileges it affords.
● When 20 minutes is just too long, use timers to help manage and take small breaks as needed. For example, “10 minutes of the book you brought home and 10 minutes from your book of choice”.