As busier schedules signal the start of a new school year, there\u2019s no better time for families to rekindle their love of reading together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reading is the perfect way to bond with your child<\/a> and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. In fact, the latest Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report<\/a> reveals that 71% of parents agree that reading aloud is or was a special time with their child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of reading aloud extend far beyond the joy of shared stories. \u201cReading together can be one of the most powerful and effective ways for families to help kids succeed academically and to bolster their emotional health,\u201d says Amanda Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic. That is, reading helps enhance social and emotional development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The back-to-school season<\/a>, a time of transition and big emotions for kids, is ideal for families to prioritize reading together. Relatable books about school and learning, like I Am Cherished<\/em><\/a>, are a powerful way to help kids prepare for the new experiences that lie ahead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBooks are an incredible tool to help kids understand and process change as they make new friends, meet new teachers, and explore a new environment,\u201d Alexander says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As your child transitions back to the classroom, sharing stories is a wonderful way to stay engaged and connected as a family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even as children grow older, the benefits of reading together remain significant. Insights from the Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report<\/a> highlight that, among kids ages 6-17, reading books for fun\u2014and positive attitudes towards reading\u2014decrease as they grow up.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the tendency for reading frequency to decline with age, maintaining a routine of shared reading continues to expand vocabulary, deepen kids\u2019 understanding of the world, and strengthen family bonds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHaving adults in a child\u2019s life who prioritize reading will introduce children to positive reading role models<\/a>. That could be a parent, sibling, or teacher. This is crucial to developing a frequent reader \u2013 after all, kids will be what they see,\u201d says Alexander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexander shares six tips below to help your family fall in love with reading this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, download and print out our free fall reading log here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This interactive resource provides a fun, creative way to track your child\u2019s reading goals or your time spent reading together, whether it\u2019s after they complete a new book or 20 minutes a day of storytime as a family. Happy reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Schedule Daily Reading Time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s a few pages before school or a chapter after dinner, establishing a consistent reading schedule<\/a> helps build a lasting habit<\/a> and ensures you\u2019re carving out quality family time each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBedtime rituals are an easy way to incorporate reading into your family\u2019s daily routine. This dedicated time gives you and your child a chance to unwind and connect with one another after a busy day at work or school,\u201d says Alexander. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Make Reading Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Encouraging your child to read for fun helps make reading a natural part of their routine. By connecting their real-life interests to stories, you can keep the joy of reading alive beyond the pages of a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis could include a trip to the zoo to learn more about animals you have read about together or an activity such as making a beloved character\u2019s favourite meal and have your child practice their literacy skills by reading the instructions from the recipe to you,\u201d suggests Alexander. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorporating reading games into everyday activities can also make reading more engaging. For instance, during car rides, challenge your child to find signs that start with a particular letter or have them read headlines aloud as you browse through a newspaper together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe more reading that occurs daily in the household, the more habitual it becomes for you and your family,\u201d Alexander says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Let Kids Choose<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving kids the freedom to choose their own reading list is one of the most effective ways to get them excited about reading. When kids choose, kids read! <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report<\/a>, 94% of kids say their favourite books are the ones they pick out themselves, and 92% are more likely to finish the books they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Create a Cozy Reading Nook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Set up a dedicated spot in your home for your child to settle in with a good book. Make this special space extra cozy with blankets, plushies, and a variety of books \u2014 both old and new \u2014 for your reader to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEquating reading with relaxation is key to fostering a sense of comfort and excitement with the activity for your child,\u201d says Alexander. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Keep Books Accessible Anytime, Anywhere <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having even just one book at home doubles the likelihood a child will be on track for literacy learning! <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to building a home library, make books readily available wherever you go. Whether it\u2019s stashing your child\u2019s favourite book in your bag for waiting rooms or keeping a book set in the car, having great books on hand ensures they can dive into a story anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Make Reading Social<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More than half of kids enjoy attending reading-related events at school or in their community, according to the Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report<\/a>. By turning reading into a social activity \u2014 from book clubs to watching movies together based on books \u2014 children become inspired to read for fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Prioritize Reading This Fall (and All Year Long)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Great Ways to Build a Family Reading Routine<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n