Where does the love of reading come from? It may be the comfort you felt sitting on a parent’s lap listening to a bedtime story. It may be that one special book that transported you out of the everyday world and made you want to go on amazing adventures. It may be an inspiring teacher who fired your curiosity about a topic.
We have a wealth of excellent teachers at LPA who inspire kids every day, and we encourage you to do the same for your child.
This month, we are excited to celebrate another Love of Reading Week, February 9-13. Special guests, from the mayor to police officers to scientists, will take the time to read to some of our classes. Some of our confirmed readers include local television personalities, peace officers and even the mayor of Tucson. We are thrilled to welcome community leaders and parents to our campus to share their own love of reading!
Here are some tips that will keep you and your kids reading more (and loving it, too!):
- Extend bedtime by allowing some “reading only time.” Let your kids keep the lights on for 15 more minutes just to read.
- Tag team with little kids. “I’ll read a sentence, then you read a sentence.”
- Get a child started on a chapter book by reading the first chapter to them. Often this will get them “hooked” on reading the rest of the story.
- Link reading “the book” to favorite movies, either before or after seeing the film. Emphasize that the book is always better!
- Model reading every chance you get. Do “parallel reading” by setting aside family reading nights.
- Read a book along with your older student. If they are reading The Outsiders in language arts, read it yourself and discuss.
- Visit the library to find every book you can on the topic your child most loves.
- Encourage your child to help you with everyday tasks by reading. Ask your child to read recipe instructions aloud to you while you are cooking, or ask him or her to be in charge of the grocery list at the store.
When children read, they improve their concentration, build their imaginations and overall, do better at school across all subjects. Make sure you’re taking time to read with your child, and above all, make it fun!
