Raising Savvy Readers

Instill a love of reading in your children from the start and watch them flourish!

Before there were video games, iPods, cell phones and even TV, reading was a primary leisure activity. According to Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest non-profit literacy organization, only 45 percent of fourth graders say they read for fun on a daily basis, and those students subsequently score higher on standardized tests. Other studies show that children and teens who love reading have comparatively higher IQs than their non-reading counterparts.

We all know that we are supposed to read to our children, but each developmental stage comes with its own needs and challenges. This handy guide will help you develop a strong structure for reading at home with children of any age.

Ages 0 - 3: Baby Bookworms

From the moment precious infants arrive in the world, they are sponges for language. It is your responsibility to provide them with something to soak in.

Read aloud every day
Baby books featuring rhythmic phrasing and rhymes will soothe your little one as well as introduce him to new words. (Even if he doses off mid-book, he will love the sound of your voice.)

Set a consistent schedule for reading
Establish a time that works within your family’s daily routine. For many kids this happens at bedtime, but other times may work better for you.

Keep books within reach
Although the pages may spend a fair amount of time in his mouth, he will begin to understand the features of a book, including illustrations versus text and how to turn a page.

Show him that you read, too
No one is suggesting you finally pick up War and Peace. But do show your child that reading is valued in your home, even if it has to be in short spurts of time.