Education Short List

Reading books to my children is something my husband and I have done since they were infants. When they were in preschool we were reading books to them and looking for letters they were learning about in class. Then in kindergarten we were looking for little words (sight words) together. When they entered first grade they took off and were reading to us! Isn’t that what all parents do? No. As a teacher I have seen that the truth of the matter is not all parents take the time to read with their children.

Take the time! As a parent, there is nothing I enjoy more than reading with my kids. It keeps us talking and sharing memories and life lessons. As a teacher they are gaining so much to enhance their learning. They have someone to demonstrate (model) for them. They will learn from just watching what you do and listening to how you use your voice. Try reading a book that is a year or two above their reading level to expose them to new words; and watch their vocabulary increase. Talk about the words in the stories. Compare and contrast the books you have read with them. This will give them the opportunity to think at a higher level. In the classroom, the growth that will be evident is not only a higher reading level, increased vocabulary, but the confidence to take chances in front of others because they have felt safe trying with you. That is true growth!

It is absolutely amazing what can happen in just twenty minutes a night. You and your child will both gain so much by the time invested in reading. So turn off the television. Visit the library and pick out a book to read together. Set some time aside, maybe it is just before bedtime. You will help instill the love of reading in your child that will in return instill a love of learning!