Raising a Reader
by Brent Severe

What does it mean for a child to be a reader—not just someone who can handle the mechanics of reading but one who craves books like a chocolate addict craves his daily chocolate bar intake?

Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook states, "There is a huge difference between knowing how to read and being an avid reader. We do a good job in schools at teaching kids how to read but we've forgotten to teach them to want to read."

As parents, how do we turn our children from novice or even struggling readers into kids (and later, adults) who will consistently turn to reading as a source of pleasure? Here are several rules of thumb that the experts agree are building blocks to raising enthusiastic readers.

Block number 1: It all starts with reading aloud.

Many parents make the mistake of no longer reading aloud once their children are able to read to themselves. Stimulate a child’s interest by allowing him or her to help you choose the book that you will read. Research suggests that you should read aloud to your children well into middle school, using books that are two or three levels above those the kids can read themselves. This challenges an older child’s thinking and opens the door to discussion about tough topics that may be otherwise difficult to bring up.

Block number 2: Have plenty of books in the house.

Books should be integrated into your family's life every day. Keep books in the bathroom, on the bedside table, in the family van. Get your child a library card as soon as she is old enough, then take weekly or bi-weekly trips to the library. Visit new or used bookstores.

Allow your child to maintain their personal bookshelves. Engage your children in book discussions. Place a book in your child’s Easter basket and don’t forget to include a book in their Christmas stocking. Doing so sends a strong message to your children that you value reading, which leads to:

Block number 3: Model reading for your children by being a reader yourself.

Make a point of reading a book or the newspaper while your children are in the room. "A child who never hears or sees a parent reading, but only sees that parent watching TV, will emulate that behavior," says Trelease. As your child gets older, look for areas of common interest and read together.

If your pre-teen is an athlete, read the sports section together or get him a subscription to a sports magazine (yes, says Trelease, magazines do count). This creates a direct connection between what they love to do in life and reading.

Block number 4: Let your kids be in charge of what they read.

Allow your kids to select their own books, even if they're too easy. Parents who try to exert too much control over the content of their kids' reading risk fueling the perception that reading is a chore.

Reading for pleasure, the experts agree, should be the ultimate goal. "If you have a struggling reader, and reading results in tears and arguments, don't force it," says McCormick. "Read to her instead."

Needless to say, snaring a child's attention away from television, videos and electronic gizmos can be daunting. But books have it all: drama, action, dialogue, and rhythm. It's up to you to make them come alive. After all, positive memories about books create positive attitudes towards reading.  

Want to raise an avid reader? Remember these seven keys:

• There is a difference between knowing how to read and being an avid reader

• Reading can rekindle emotional closeness as well as impart important life-lessons

• Read aloud to children well into middle school

• Have plenty of books in the house

• Model reading for your children by being a reader yourself

• Reading lays the foundation for a love of learning

• A book can open the door to discussion about tough topics

LDS Living Magazine