Reading to Children

Statistics

The National Institute for Literacy has published a list of statistics concerning reading levels for kids of all ages. The No Child Left Behind Act has tried to address some of these issues, but the percentages continue to speak for themselves. The 2000 national assessment of fourth-graders includes the following:

• 37% were below the reading achievement basic level,
• 31% were within the basic level,
• 24% were within the proficient level, and
• 8% were within the advanced level.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress's 1999 long-term reading assessment found "at all three ages, students who said they read for fun scored higher than peers who said they never read for fun."

• The 10% of 9-year old students who never read for fun could perform at level 150, while students who read for fun monthly or more frequently could perform at level 200.
• The 9% of 13-year-old students who never read for fun could perform at level 200, while students who read for fun yearly or more frequently could perform at level 250.
• The 75% of 17-year-old students who read for fun weekly or less frequently could perform at level 250, while students who read for fun daily could perform at level 300.

Caregivers Reading to Children

Many children don't have access to books except through their classrooms and school libraries. While reading to children at school is, of course, essential to a child's academic success, reading must start at home. Some parents even begin reading to children while they are still in the womb! Reading expert Michael Maloney suggests that parents encourage reading skills by encouraging reading and setting aside quiet reading times. Reading to children is important for several reasons:

• Gives children information on a variety of topics
• Promotes language development and literacy skills
• Raises reading levels
• Helps increase attention spans
• Promotes family relationships

Reading Help

Many parents don't know where to start when it comes to reading to children. Here are a few suggestions:

• The American Library Association provides lists of Notable Children's Books, Newbery Award Books, and Top Ten Lists to help parents as they assist their kids in choosing appropriate reading materials.
• Summer Reading Programs-You and your family can participate in your local library's summer reading program. These programs typically have planned activities throughout the summer. Certificates of achievement and gifts are also given for those who complete the program. The program is free and open to the public, so be sure and check with your local library.
• Accelerated Reader-The Accelerated Reader Program is often incorporated into school curriculums as a way to encourage students to read. Ask your school librarian if this program is available.

Other Tips and Suggestions

Reading to children doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. The following tips and suggestions will help you get started on that important road to reading with your child:

• Be an example-Let your child see you reading books, magazines, and newspapers ever day.
• Spend time together-Reading should be fun. Even if your child is a preteen or even a teen, you can share time together reading popular books and discussing what you've read, sharing magazine articles, and reading the daily newspaper.
• Let your child read to you-Start out simple with easy-to-read books, and encourage your child to try new words.
• Set aside daily reading times-You and your child can end your day by reading quietly together.

Finally, if you feel that your child needs additional help in reading, talk to his or her teachers and pediatrician. Your child might be having problems because of a physical disability, such as poor eyesight, or she might have a learning disability.

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