February Literacy and Learning News
2019
The Real Secret to Getting Kids to Read
Do you know what we mess up all the time?
Literature. Reading. Books. English. Whatever you want to call it.
Here’s why we mess it up: we think our kids have to read hard books. And maybe they should. Someday.
But if you have a child (or a few) who haven't fallen in love with reading yet, I'd argue that reading hard books should be waaaaay down your priority list.
Here's the truth: a child who doesn't love reading... won't.
And that's a much bigger problem than having a child who’s never read Watership Down.
A child who doesn't love reading becomes an adult who doesn't read... not hard books, not easy books, not anything. And we all know the demoralizing statistics about how many adults read actual books these days, right?
We do what we love.
That's just a fact. We do things that we find enjoyable and naturally rewarding.
So... if your child finds reading to be enjoyable and naturally rewarding, then---- win! The more enjoyable, naturally rewarding experiences you can give your child around books, the better.
Now, how to do that? Simple.
I've got lots of ideas (I mean, you do listen to the podcast, right?), but it all starts with the simplest thing:
Read an enjoyable book with your child. Not one that you think you *should* read or one that you think your child *must* read to have a good education. Just pick a book that seems fun, and read it aloud.
My booklist is packed to the gills with them. Have you checked it out? Flip through those booklists until you see a title that makes you think - YES! and harkens back to your own childhood, or otherwise gets your heart beating a wee bit faster.
And read that.
Out loud.
The end.
I haven't added anything because this is great advice!
Book Fair Feb 4th - 8th
Isn't my child too old for read alouds?
Listening is also Learning
Murray Park's Schoolwide Title 1 Plan (Installment 4)
Jill Puhlmann-Becker, Reading Specialist RASD
Email: puhlmannj@ripon.k12.wi.us
Phone: 920-748-4695
Facebook: facebook.com/MPQuestelementary