Raise a Child Who Loves to Read

Imagine repeatedly calling your child to dinner and getting no response. When you look for him, you find he’s sitting by a sunny window, completely engrossed in a great book. Sound like science fiction?

In a world where children bustle from activity to activity after a busy school day, cozying up with a good book may seem unrealistic, but it’s not. Kids are technologically savvy and ever fascinated by hi-tech gadgets and the Internet, but it’s still possible to make them lifelong fans of the written word.

Provide Motivation
Howard Berg holds the Guinness World Record as the World’s Fastest Reader and is the co-founder of the online Gateway Preparatory School. Berg reads at a recordsetting speed of 25,000 words per minute. Committed to helping individuals reach their educational goals, Berg says learning must be interesting, meaningful, and significant. “We have a literacy crisis in our country,” he said. “Today everything is based on learning. We live in an information-based economy where to be successful you have to know more.”

To motivate his own son to read, Berg bought him a subscription to video magazines. “Remember [we’re talking about] children,” he emphasized. “They need to have some reason to have fun. Too many kids see reading as a chore or an obligation, and it shouldn’t be.” Chelsi Nelson, a third grade teacher at Oklahoma Christian School, agrees. She also thinks starting early is important. “Being read to from early childhood is the number one influence and motivator for children,” she said. “Students are generally more motivated if they are reading something they enjoy and are working towards a goal.”

Since each child is motivated differently, Nelson encourages parents to “find something your child enjoys and reward them in that area.” Nelson’s students participate in the Book-It program, sponsored by Pizza Hut. Her students recently reached a goal of reading 100 books for a National Literacy Campaign called Classrooms Care, Reading is Giving. As a reward for their accomplishment, Scholastic Book Clubs donated 100 books to disadvantaged students.

Provide a Nurturing Environment
Nelson cultivates a love of reading in her classroom by setting aside time for independent and group reading. (A classroom favorite is Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester, a humorous book that teaches acceptance.) “I believe children who love to read desire to further their education and have a professional career,” she said. Ann Aliotta, Assistant Manager and former children’s librarian at Edmond Library, believes parents can inspire reluctant readers. “Let children see you enjoying a book, a magazine, or the newspaper,” she said “Children have great perceptions. If you are excited about reading, they will pick up on it.”

Incorporating reading into a daily family practice also helps create successful readers. “When my children were about 10 and 13, I imposed a 25 minute rule at the dinner table—the minimum time they had to stay,” said Aliotta. “I would read for 15 minutes while they finished their meal.”

Talking about books or listening to audio books in the car are entertaining ways to bring the family together. “Picture books can also be read and enjoyed by all ages,” Aliotta said. Significant story plots and inspirational characters create authentic experiences for readers. As a parent and grandmother, Aliotta knows that books can offer compassion and provide comfort. For example, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is helpful for those coping with sibling rivalry issues.

Active Involvement
When reading aloud to children, parents can enhance the experience by speaking in characters’ voices and incorporating a little drama. Aliotta recommends parents visit one of the library’s story times to observe how the children’s librarian reads and engages the audience. Most of the 17 libraries within the Metropolitan Library
System provide diverse programs for all ages, including music, poetry readings, book forums, writing clubs, and storytellers. Visit MetroLibrary.org to find activities at your local library.

This year, embark on a meaningful journey to foster and instill a lifetime love of reading in your child.

How to Raise a Reader
• Get books at (or slightly above) your child’s reading level. If you’re not sure about your child’s reading level, ask his teacher. Then take your burgeoning reader to the library or bookstore. Finding the book that sparks your child’s interest is an exciting treasure hunt!
• Read every day. After dinner or before bed, read aloud a book that interests your child. MFM Editor Denise Springer’s parents raised two readers by offering an optional nightly bedtime extension. Lights out could be delayed 30 minutes by choosing to read in bed. (The tactic worked with Springer’s own two boys as well.)
• Set weekly goals. Reward your child with a fun activity when she’s finished a set number of books.
• Explore your child’s interests. If your child is a fan of a particular movie or TV show, capitalize on it. Find a book with a similar character, pick up a work of fiction set in that time period, or get a biography about someone related to the movie or show.
• Transform reading into a game or craft. Act out or paint a scene to illustrate the story you’re reading or write an alternate ending, sequel, or prequel.
• Get involved. Choose and attend a library event together. Read with your child—either aloud or alongside.
• Give the gift of reading. Select books that reflect your child’s unique personality or interests or subscribe to a magazine that supports his interests.

Helpful Websites
• RIF.org, home of the non-profit organization Reading is Fundamental, offers contests, booklists, tips, and activities to motivate children to read.
• The American Library Association offers a list of recommended titles for children and families at ALA.org (search for “recommended reading kids”).
• Find a list of recommended books at http://PBSKids.org/ReadingRainbow/Books.
• MrReader.com provides information on Howard Berg’s speed reading program.
• Starfall.com and Scholastic.com offer educational reading products.

Shirley George is an editor and freelance writer, originally from Philadelphia, PA. Having lived in Oklahoma for two years now, she feels as though she has finally found home. Shirley embraces life to the fullest and lives in Edmond with her husband and two-year-old Corgi.