In this, the last post in our Quick Tips for Struggling Readers series, I want to share the most important thing you can do for a child who struggles with reading.
Read to him.
Yes, it’s that easy! Too often, we think that reading aloud to older kids is a poor use of our time. Shouldn’t we spend every valuable minute having them read? After all, they’re the ones who need the practice.
Let me share five reasons why reading aloud is important – even for struggling readers.
Why we should read aloud to struggling readers
1. It shows them that the struggle is worth it.
When we choose books that both we and our kids enjoy, we help them see the light at the end of the tunnel. Struggling through a hard book isn’t fun. Enjoying a hilarious tale with Mom or Dad is.
2. It improves their vocabulary.
Struggling readers may be stuck reading text that’s below their intellectual level. By reading above their ability, we challenge them with vocabulary they won’t find in their own reading material.
3. It improves comprehension.
Simple texts do not always provide much opportunity for higher level thinking. Quality read alouds do just that.
4. It helps develop background knowledge.
Background knowledge is key for understanding concepts in other school subjects and in everyday life. We can’t trust that struggling readers will be able to get this from their own reading, but we can supply it for them when we read aloud.
5. It’s fun.
How many activities are fun, free, and a bonding experience for parent and child? Reading aloud fits the bill.
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Amelia Soto
thanks a lot for the tips i will use them for sure. God bless you for all the help and support.
Vicenta
Anna,thanks again for sharing. Have an AMAZING time with your family and friends Celebrating your sons 8th birthday!
Anna Geiger
Thanks, Vincenta – it was a wonderful day!
Margie Dowling
Thank you, Anna, for once again reinforcing the idea that reading TO your child(ren) has more value than you can shake a stick at. I try every year, over and over, to get the importance of this through to the parents of my first and second graders. My classroom is filled with illustrated classics like the ones I read to my boys until they were in 8th grade. I encourage the parents to borrow from that library if they need help finding a good book. A daily habit of relaxing to a classic read aloud is a wonderful way to “get into a story,” to use the imagination, to become familiar with enduring characters, and so much more. Keep up the great work!
Anna Geiger
Thanks, Margie, for your encouragement! You are my example so that I keep reading aloud to my big kids. We’ve finally gotten into a good routine with that. Right now I’m reading a children’s history of the Civil War. They’re really enjoying it!
Po Tim King
Great reasons. I would like to add “to show love while reading out loud together”. This is so much more comforting to know someone is “struggling” with you, and always standing by you. That power helps me to not give up and work hard when I was learning English.
Anna Geiger
Yes – absolutely! Thanks so much for adding that!
Vicenta
English is my second language and although I been reading for in English for years I love sharing my “flavor” as I call it = accent with the kids and now with my grandson. Thanks for sharing.