Reading at home with your child is one of the most important things you can do to invest in your child’s learning. Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. By cultivating a love for learning early on, you can help your child to develop strong literacy skills and a passion for finding out more about the topics they care about.

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Here are some tips to make reading a joyful experience at home:

1. Establish a consistent reading routine by designating a specific time each day for reading. It could be before bedtime or after dinner (or while waiting to pick a sibling up from an activity!). Wherever your family can squeeze the time in works! Regularity is the key to making reading a habit.

2. Create a cozy area of your home as a reading corner. Fill it with comfortable cushions, a blanket and a small bookshelf with books appropriate for your child’s age level.

3. Read Aloud Together. Take turns reading aloud with your child. Encourage them to read a page or a paragraph, and then you can continue the story. Reading together helps improve fluency, comprehension and listening skills.

4. Visit the library. Plan regular visits to your local library. Let your child choose books that interest them (graphic novels are just fine!). Public libraries often have special programming – story time, author readings, and summer reading programs – geared to children, too. And don’t forget – the TM Library is open throughout the summer from 4-7 PM on Tuesday evenings!

5. Lead by example. children are more likely to engage in reading when they see their grown-ups reading. Model reading habits by setting aside time for your own reading and discuss what you’re reading with your child.

6. Discuss books together. Help deepen your child’s comprehension by asking them questions about the book. Encourage your child to show you where in the book they are getting evidence for their opinion – this is an important academic skill!

7. Explore different genres. Introduce your child to a variety of types of books such as fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, biographies and poetry. Mr. Zetterberg recently had students “Do the Dewey,” challenging them to read a book from each non-fiction category.

8. Don’t forget about writing, too! Encourage your child to write their own stories, poems or book reviews. If they loved a book, maybe they’d like to write to the author to let them know! Provide them with writing materials and a journal where they can express their creativity and practice their writing skills.

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Remember, the goal is to make reading enjoyable and instill a lifelong love for books in your child. By dedicating time to reading together, you are fostering a strong bond with your child while building essential literacy skills. Thank you for your support in promoting reading at home. Together, we can build a school full of avid readers who are passionate about exploring the world through books.