How to Raise a Reader

May 18th, 2009

As parents we all want to give our children the best of the best, and that includes the best start at education. Most understand the importance of reading with your child to increase their joy of not only reading but learning. 

When reading with your child ask them:

What was the story about? Where did it take place? When did it take place? Was there a moment that was especially exciting or moving? How did it come about? Was there a character that you really liked? Why? What did you discover through reading this book? What was the main thing the author wanted you to learn? These question will allow them to fall deeper into the story and recall more information. This may not be as important when reading Cinderella as it is when reading Biochemical Microbiology.   Whether you are reading from a book, Kindle or online… the focus is the same - reading is the main and most wonderful way to share ideas and imagination.  What do you share through books with your child?

Tags: books, IQ, parents, recalls, teachers
Posted in Learning |

4 Responses to “How to Raise a Reader”

1. Shasa Says:
   May 20th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

   I love to see how my kids react to stories that I loved as a child. We love to explore books about funny people and characters. I love your blog and I am just starting to explore ebooks, I love the open and fun site Wizz-e provides. Thanks!

2. Robin Says:
   June 22nd, 2009 at 5:32 am

   Both of my girls (ages 15 and 18) love to read. At times they have two books going at the same time. I began reading to them when they were infants! One of my daughters and I formed a mom and daughter book club with other moms when she was in elementary school. We both would read the same book and join up with our friends to discuss.

   We used to go to the library all the time with the kids. We’d spend time reading, doing puzzles and choosing stacks of books to bring home.

   Thanks for your article! Discussing the contents of a book is so important. It also helps the parents determine a child’s comprehension.
   Robin
   http://www.grandmasshoppe.com

3. Kai Says:
   July 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm

   As someone who was read to a lot when I was a kid (and as someone who read a lot of her little brother) I honestly have to say that asking questions of the child your reading to seems sort of pointless to me. Seems to me that the more important thing is to encourage them to ask their own questions. Maybe I just live with abnormally inquizitive minds, but when I used to read to my brother, he was the one telling me what the story meant - without me ever having to ask him anything.

4. admin Says:
   July 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 am

   That is a good point Kai although a lot of children will just sit and listen to a story and not really ‘take it in’. By asking questions one seeks to ensure comprehension and engagement. However, if the child is the one asking questions then it becomes a natural discussion around the story.

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