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.
Here are some tips to make reading a joyful experience at home:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Our next Academic Parent Teacher Team Reading (the last for this year) will also focus on Reading, so be sure to mark your calendar for the evening of April 3!
Please be sure to check out the information in this issue of the Pup Press regarding the Read Seattle movement. The City of Seattle Department of Early Learning, along with a number of other non-profit partners, are starting a new organization to ensure every child in Seattle is a reader. You can learn more at www.readseattle.org and by attending their event on Saturday, March 15 at 2 PM at the Holgate Church of Christ on 2600 S. Holgate Street.
Make Reading a Reality for Every Child in Seattle
The literacy situation in Seattle Public Schools is discouraging and historically disappointing. The SPS October 2024 Audit report points out the continuing disparities and low proficiency reading levels for BIPOC and particularly Black Male students.
The reports states only 60% of SPS 3rd graders are reading at the proficiency levels for their grade. The proficiency level is 40% for BIPOC and 28% for Black Males.
72% of Black Males in the 3rd grade, aren’t reading at their grade level.
While these results, are shocking, they aren’t new. The reading proficiency levels for BIPOC and Black Males Students have been low for decades. It’s time to act and reverse the trend. The future of our kids depends on it.
Read Seattle About | Read Seattle is building a community-driven literacy movement by connecting volunteers with local nonprofits that are making a real difference. We are asking for your support in helping us to promote this community driven initiative.
On Saturday, March 15th 2PM, the Read Seattle Community Coalition will be hosting a literacy awareness and recruiting event at Holgate Church of Christ 2600 S. Holgate St. Seattle WA. Our goal is getting individuals to sign up, to become reading tutors. We will be inviting the Seattle Mayor, Seattle City Council, King County Council, Seattle School Superintendent, Seattle School Board Members, and other officials, to this important community event.
Your support is needed.
If you are able and willing to, we would like for you and members of your organization to attend our event on March 15th at 2PM. Your presence and support will go a long way in bringing attention to this huge opportunity. Please scan the QR code on the attached flyer, or go to https://www.readseattle.org/sentencedfilm
to register for the event.
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