As parents, it’s easy to think about reading in terms of grades, benchmarks, and state assessments. Those things matter—but reading is so much bigger than a test.
Reading helps children build vocabulary, background knowledge, imagination, empathy, concentration, confidence, and the ability to understand the world around them. Research consistently connects reading engagement and access to books with stronger literacy and academic outcomes. So how can we help our children become readers—not just students who can read?
Idea #1: Let them see you read.
Children notice what we make time for. Read a novel, a magazine, the newspaper, a cookbook, or something on your phone. Let them see that reading is something adults do because we enjoy it and because we want to learn.
Idea #2: Put books within reach.
A home library doesn’t have to be expensive or impressive. Buy books when you can, visit the library, accept hand-me-downs, swap with friends, and let your child collect books that interest them. Research has found meaningful associations between access to books at home and children’s literacy outcomes.
Idea #3: Aim for 20 minutes.
Twenty minutes of reading a day is a wonderful goal—not a test your child has to pass. Twenty minutes of reading adds up to more than 120 hours over a year. For younger children, that might mean being read to. For older children, it might mean reading independently, listening to an audiobook while following along, or sharing a book together. Consistent reading time matters more than making it perfect.
Idea #4: Let them choose.
Graphic novels count. Fantasy counts. Sports books count. Manga counts. Poetry, biographies, comics, mysteries, magazines, nonfiction, and rereading a favorite book for the tenth time all count. Honoring a reader’s book choice can help children develop positive attitudes toward reading and sustain a habit that can last a lifetime.
Idea #5: Talk about what they read.
You don’t need to turn every book into a comprehension quiz. Ask, “What did you think?” “Would you recommend it?” “What surprised you?” or simply share something about a book you enjoyed reading.
Most importantly: Don’t let reading become a chore when it can become a joy. Our goal isn’t simply to raise children who can pass a reading assessment. Our ultimate goal is to raise learners who know that books can teach them, challenge them, comfort them, entertain them, transport them, and help them understand themselves and other people. That kind of literacy lasts FAR beyond the school years!
If you have additional questions about library services and next steps, contact your campus librarian or Becky Calzada ([email protected]), District Library Coordinator.
