8 Easy Ways to Keep Your Children Reading

We’re so proud of our students and all the reading they did during our Lift Off to Literacy initiative. Combined, they read 8,824 hours and completed literacy projects that involved writing and vocabulary building.  With summer just around the corner, it can be hard to keep their reading going strong. Here are some easy ways to make it happen.

1. Keep reading materials front and center. If you keep books and child-friendly magazines where they are easily accessible at home, you’ll create more opportunities for reading. Be strategic in where you place them (e.g., on a table by a couch) or use a basket if you want the materials to be visible and portable. A wall newspaper rack is another great way to hold magazines, coloring books and scrapbooks to practice writing.  

2. Have books with you when you’re on-the-go. This way, when there’s downtime while waiting for appointments and pick-ups, children can spend it reading.

3. Read-aloud together. Research has shown strong results in read-alouds boosting literacy even with middle-school students in class. It also sets up a great opportunity to stop and ask questions—you can talk about the characters with your children and guess where the story will go.

4. Mix things up. Encourage your children to try different types of books. Some can be mirrors of their own experiences, while others can be windows into new worlds.

5. Make it a habit. Set a time each day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, for them to read. Have your children help set up the spot (perhaps with a special pillow or sign they make) so they are invested in their reading time.

6. Encourage re-reading.  It’s more than OK if your child wants to read the same book many times. Re-reading builds speed and accuracy, which in turn builds their confidence.

7. Find the words all around you. Reading signs, menus, game directions – these are all great opportunities to develop literacy skills and new vocabulary.

8. Help them to create their own stories. Write their story down for them as they tell it. As they re-read it, they’ll gain more fluency with words they know but don’t necessarily know how to spell.

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Whatever your summer plans are, we’ve got you covered with Camp Edge. Our fun and engaging activities are designed to help your children grow their confidence and skills. Special themes and guests will make each week a unique experience. We offer flexible scheduling with weekly and part-time options. Our Camps are running at Columbine, Bear Creek (LPSD38), Upper Samsel and Selover (Sayreville), and Talbott (WSD3).

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We are excited for the 2024-2025 school year and all the fun and learning we’ll have with our students. Be sure to register soon to ensure your child’s spot. If you have any questions, our Family Services Team is happy to help. Call 1-800-341-5791 or email support@leadsschools.com.

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