An international study focused on what was unique about the reading lives of students with the highest literacy. What it discovered relates directly to independent practice reading. One indicator was the amount of leisure reading students did at home and in school. Another key indicator was the diversity and length of texts students reading. Those who scored the highest read long texts that included magazines, newspapers, fiction, and nonfiction. –The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy
One of the key components to a balanced literacy program is time for independent reading. It is critical that students are encouraged from a very young age to engage with books for pleasure, to have time set aside to read those books, and see reading as a natural way to engage with the world and explore their ideas.
Things you can do to help your child become a successful reader:
- Be positive about reading. Children need to know that adults in their lives care about reading.
- Talk about books with your child and share books that you enjoyed as an adolescent.
- Provide a space in your child’s room for books. A feeling of ownership can be very powerful.
- Schedule regular visits to bookstores & libraries. Perhaps provide a book allowance.
- If you are willing, read aloud with your child. being read to and reading together are usually some of a reader’s favorite memories.
- There is one thing to avoid: Do NOT force children to read as punishment. Just encourage it and remain positive about the rewards of reading. They’ll come around.