Originally published by Scholastic Parents on November 2, 2022<\/em> Kids\u2019 interests are constantly changing. That means it can be hard to pin down the right book they\u2019ll cherish for years to come. Because of that, we’ve asked parents to share their tips on ways to gauge your child\u2019s current interests. Here is their top advice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking in with teacher-assigned reading is helpful for knowing what books are required by the curriculum \u2014 and on the summer reading list next year. But it\u2019s also important to ask teachers how your child\u2019s reading development is progressing, where their strengths and weaknesses might be, and what subjects they are embracing most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI always ask my daughter, \u2018What are you learning about in school?\u2019\u201d says Laura Banfield, a parent of a 3-year-old and 6-year-old in Florida. \u201cAnd also, \u2018What made you smile today? What do you want to learn more about?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay close attention to what your child is reading at home. Start a conversation with your child about what they like about these books. This not only helps inform you of their current interests, but also challenges the child to articulate their opinions and test their reading comprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI generally ask my children what they like about the book that they are currently reading and enjoying,\u201d says Kimberly Greacen, a parent of a 4-year-old and 8-year-old. \u201cKnowing what they like about it \u2014 adventure, dragons, fantasy \u2014 is helpful in choosing new books for them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n By reinforcing the importance of regular reading and providing steady access to books \u2014 a must for raising a reader \u2014 you will see your child\u2019s interests deepen and expand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am always looking for new books that will challenge my child as a reader, but will also be interesting and super engaging,\u201d says Greacen. \u201cI want him to both enjoy what he is reading and be challenged by it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Versioned for Scholastic Canada<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n1. Ask your child what\u2019s going on in the classroom.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Ask what they like about the books they\u2019re reading for fun.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n