Ask your child questions before, during, and after reading. Questions should be within the text (so they can find the answer in the book), about the text (they can answer considering what was read), and beyond the text (they can make connections to other books, experiences, subjects in school, and more), according to Malinowsky.
A few questions you could consider trying are:
- What words best describe this character?
- What do you think will happen next?
- What does this remind you of? or How is this similar or different than another book you've read recently?
Plus, find out the seven best questions to ask during story time.
Whether you set aside time to read after school, before meals, or right before bedtime, coming up with a reading routine that works best for your family is key to improving reading skills.
“Set aside quiet time for the whole family to read, even if only a few days a week,” says Malinowsky. “Reading aloud should be encouraged. Have siblings read to each other, or have your child read to a grandparent. The whole family can be involved!”
Set up your routine in a way that works for your family and gives kids lots of opportunity for regular practice. Consistency is still key to improving reading levels. “One of the biggest factors in improving reading is to get kids to read,” says Williams.
Need more ideas to kick start a routine? Try these tips from an award-winning librarian.
According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report – a biennial national survey of parents' and children's reading attitudes and behaviors – children are more likely to want to continue reading when they’re given the freedom to choose what they want to read.
“Support readers by encouraging them to choose books they would like to read,” says Malinowsky. “There’s evidence that proves children who are able to select books they want to read show more interest in reading and they continue to read.”
Here are simple questions to gauge kids' interests.
Remember to share your own love of books by being a reading role model. When your kids see how excited you are to continue reading, they’ll be just as enthusiastic about their own books.
“Parents can support their readers by showing how important reading is to them,” says Williams. “Let your children see you reading and give books as gifts. Praise your child when you see them reading.”
Let readers explore new genres like nonfiction or graphic novels, or even explore other formats like magazines or cookbooks.
“Selecting books that have relatable characters, approachable text, and represent both fiction and nonfiction are important to consider,” says Malinowsky. A few of her favorites: Who Would Win, Fly Guy, Pete the Cat, and “I Can Read” books.
“I like these books, in particular, because the text is approachable and readers are often attracted to the characters,” says Malinowsky. “For the nonfiction books, the text is a bit harder, but the pictures are vibrant and keep students interested.”
It may be tempting to read for your child, but Williams has some suggestions..
“As difficult as it may be, encourage your kid to try [reading a tricky word] and ask 'What do you think this word is? What do you think we should do now?'”
These questions will guide kids to use strategies and techniques to help them figure out unknown words, adds Williams. Also, embrace mistakes when they happen. Let your child make a mistake and then say, "I am so proud of you for getting through this text. I think we should reread this text again tomorrow to make sure we understood the message the author wanted us to get." This will help kids get comfortable with rereading, which is what we want them to do when they are confused.
Finally, staying positive during moments of frustration will also give your child the boost they need when they’re feeling unsure of themselves.
“Remind them that they are a reader and we all start somewhere,” says Hart. “We have to practice reading to become better readers. It’s like anything we want to become better at.”
Shop fun books to improve reading levels and build a love of reading below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
