“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” – Kate DiCamillo

On Family Literacy Day day our local literacy organization Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy gifted our library some books. Among these books was the book Madiline Finn and the library Dog by Lisa Papp . This is a lovely story about a girl who is just learning to read. In the beginning she does not like reading, as she has not had comfortable reading experiences. She then gets an opportunity to read to a dog at a local library and finds comfort in practicing. 

This story prompted some fantastic conversations amongst grade one students , many who could relate to Madeline Finn. We talked about what made reading fun and comfortable. The grade ones told me that they liked to have a comfortable place to read, they liked having someone to listen and not laugh ( Teachers, parents, and of course dogs were mentioned). They also liked having good books. 

Learning to read can be challenging, teachers work to help children build and develop the skills attitudes necessary to become successful readers.

Engagement with reading and the length of time children spend reading for pleasure correlate significantly with their reading achievement. To motivate children to read we must find ways to stimulate their interest, bolster their confidence, and enhance their reading engagement. (Aerila & Merisuo-Storm 2017) 

Support from home also helps children develop a positive relationship with reading. How can you help your child enjoy reading at home? 

1.)Make sure that your child has books that are at an appropriate level for him/her to read and high interest. Please contact your child’s teacher or myself if you need more reading material at home. 

2.)As your child begins to read, continue to read to them, but factor in some time for them to read to themselves, and out loud to you. Make shared reading a positive, warm, playful connection time.

3.) Ensure that your child has comfortable quiet reading spots available. Kids like to be in and under things so do not be surprised if your child’s comfortable reading spot is in a box or under a table. Perhaps a family pet or stuffed animal may make a great reading buddy. 

When both parents and teachers communicate that reading is interesting, enjoyable, and valuable, the child should benefit enormously. ( Baker,  Scher, and  Mackler 1997) 

Happy Reading , 

Ms. Cox
See Works Cited here