I was recently asked this question:
How can I get my kindergartener–who is a very strong reader–to start reading longer books (like chapter books)?
Before we dive into some fun with literacy and encouraging our children to grow as readers, I just need to pause for a minute to encourage you, if you have a question similar to this–now or in the future–to do some reflective thinking first.
Often in our society, we have deemed certain books or genres or bodies of literature as “worthy” and everything else is discounted and not “real” reading. We hear this conversation a lot with comics and graphic novels. Many adults continue to buy into this notion and hide their romance novels or their latest series book because they feel their books don’t really count. I have even recently spoken with moms who are embarrassed to admit that they prefer to read YA (Young Adult) novels.
I do not subscribe to this “worthiness” notion. Yes, there were a few years when I was fresh out of college and I thought I was a literary scholar (insert major eye roll here) that I turned my nose up at far too many books. As a teacher, I was very snobbish about the books I put into my classroom library.
But I was wrong.
The whole point of reading is to bridge the gap between the mind and the heart through the telling of a story. When this happens, whatever the form/genre, a book has done its job. Reading is empowering, educational, inspiring, and insightful in a way that nothing else is or even can be. If your child enjoys reading a particular type of book right now, do a happy dance! That is the first step to raising a child who loves to read. Don’t get so caught up in the “worthiness” of what she is reading that you forget to celebrate this huge success.
But He Can’t Read Easy Readers Forever!
No, he can’t. And he probably won’t. But right now he is giving you fantastic clues about what he wants to read next. Does he prefer non-fiction? Does he enjoy funny stories? Mysteries? Adventure? Fantasy? Whatever the answer, don’t fear. This is not an indicator of what he will always read for the rest of his life. But it will be a good way for you to put out future books in a bread-crumb-like fashion that will lead him down the path of literacy. So start with what he already knows he likes. Search for similar books. If you need pointers, reach out to your local librarian. Most libraries even have “Ask the Librarian” features on their websites, so you can ask for book recommendations without ever stepping foot in the library. Trust me, I know how intimidating or overwhelming it feels to try to bring one (or four) small child into a library and attempt a conversation with an unknown adult. Small children can sense the import of such situations and they decide that these are the moments they need to be their loudest and least cooperative.
Start Together
Once you have a few more advanced books in topics related to those you already know your child enjoys, tell her you want to read one with her. Have her choose one. Devote 10 minutes each day to reading the chosen book. Keep it light and fun. No major comprehension quizzes or vocabulary lessons. If you’re going the library route, I highly recommend checking out these picture books for additional support (though they are great books to own, too):
and
These two beautiful books will help encourage your young readers to push through mistakes and keep going even when they feel frustrated and want to give up. This is important in so many situations, but what better way to help instill a love of reading in your child than to use a book to inspire him to keep trying?
If you don’t feel like 10 minutes per day is feasible in your life right now, you should check with your child and/or her teacher to see if they are reading a chapter book together in class. Often the teacher will choose a book to read to the entire class. If the book has a sequel, you could entice your young reader with the opportunity to read it once her teacher has finished the first book. If there is no sequel, maybe look for another book by the same author.
Give Choices
You know your child. If he is big on independence, you may want to provide several books (or even let them loose in the children’s section of a library or book store) at a time and allow your child the opportunity to choose what he wants to read next. If your child gets overwhelmed or intimidated by too many choices, a library or book store may be too much. Providing a smaller selection of books at home might be more effective to help your child feel comfortable choosing his book. But shoving a book in your child’s face and forcing him to read it will probably not get you the results you are hoping for. It’s much like when you want to get your child to try new foods.
This is a Natural Part of Development
I am assuming that you didn’t force your child to walk at 8 months (is that even possible?) or insist that he potty train on the day of his first birthday. If you did, this paragraph (and probably most of my blog) isn’t going to be helpful to you.
Everyone develops at a different pace. What worked for your friend’s little Einstein may or may not work for your son in the same amount of time. The key is to provide the opportunity for him to grow (much like an exersaucer or Pull-Ups help with training young ones in other areas). Sometimes he may resist and hang on to those Easy Readers and refuse to move on. Power struggles are real.
And that is OK.
It won’t last forever. If he loves reading, that love will eventually evolve. You can try to force it, but it won’t be pleasant. Instead, encourage reading–Easy Readers or Graphic Novels or Series–and allow your child the opportunity to grow into bigger and “better” books.
I still remember the day I came home from kindergarten and read the word “Congratulations” on a banner in an illustration. It was like someone/something flipped a switch in my mind. I suddenly realized I possessed all of the tools I needed to read anything! What an exciting and empowering feeling! Yes, my mom had already taught me to read and yes, I was doing well in school. But I didn’t fully realize what power I was wielding until that moment. From then on, there was no looking back for me. I wanted to read anything I could get my hands on: instruction manuals, chapter books, recipes, you name it. I think every child has a similar moment. Do you remember yours? You can’t flip the switch for your child. She will get it eventually and when she does, if she already loves to read, she will keep reading and never look back.
Talk About What You are Reading
Remember that it is also very important for you to read. Let your child see you read. Make time to hold a book in front of your face and stare at it for at least 10 minutes. In conversations, tell your child something about what you have read. This will actually help reduce the stress in your life. Really. And as an added bonus, it will help foster your child’s love for reading, too.
Need a Few Ideas?
Here are a few of our family’s favorite books:
Nate the Great, Shel Silverstein, Junie B. Jones, Flat Stanley, Amelia Bedilia, Encyclopedia Brown, Ivy & Bean, Magic Treehouse, According to Humphrey, Pippi Longstocking, Stink, Ramona, The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
(The links above will take you to affiliate links to IndieBound.org. If you have a local independent bookstore in your area, you could order your books through them today. It’s a great way to combine the convenience of the internet with buying local. We love our local bookstores!)
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