As the new school year begins, schedules will inevitably get a whole lot busier. Between homework, play, and extracurriculars, finding time to read a book as a family needs to be a little more intentional — but there are more opportunities to read than you’d expect.
“Fortunately, words are everywhere, so incorporating reading into your busy lives is easier than you might think,” says Dr. Maria Walther, Ed.D., an experienced teacher and author of Transforming Literacy Teaching.
Here are some of the best ways to fit in reading time with your child during the day.
During Your Commute
There are many fun ways to incorporate reading into any kind of travel. “Whether you’re walking, taking public transportation, or driving, read the words in your environment aloud to your child,” says Walther. “Ask them to point out familiar symbols, letters, words, and phrases.”
Audiobooks are also a good alternatives to reading longer stories during a trip or daily commute (say, the drive to school).
“Listening to a story together and pausing to share your thoughts and feelings about that story can make a long trip feel much shorter,” says Walther.
Another very effective strategy to sharpen your child’s reading skills is through song. Singing stories together makes concepts easier to understand and remember for children.
“Although it may not seem like reading, singing songs is also a powerful way to boost your child’s literacy skills,” says Walther. “Specifically, their ability to read fluently and with expression — or read like they talk.”
While Running Errands
Children love being included and helping out with your everyday errands, like grocery shopping. So before you head out, write a list of things you need to buy on paper.
“Give that list to your child and have them keep track of your progress by reading it to you or checking things off along the way,” says Walther. “Doing this simple task helps your child see the writing-reading connection. They learn that the words they write can be read.”
Writing things down makes your child a better reader, and as they learn to write, they will also sound out their words.
“While you’re out and about, you can also tune your child’s ears to the sounds that letters make,” says Walther. “This is called phonological awareness, and it is an important precursor to learning to read. Think of simple scavenger hunts that your child can do at the park or in a store. At the park, you might say something like, ‘Find an item that rhymes with ring!' or 'Go play on the equipment that starts with the /s/ sound.’”
Before Nap Time or Bedtime
One of the best times of day to read is when you’re both unwinding after a busy day. When you help your child make the connection between relaxing and reading, it shows them that the activity can be a great way to spend free time.
Reading aloud before bed is beneficial in more ways than one. It’s not only a great bonding opportunity, but it also encourages a love of independent reading.
“The research-proven benefits of reading aloud range from increasing their vocabulary to developing empathy,” says Walther. “Curling up with a good book before naptime, bedtime, or when your child wakes up in the morning — even if just for a few minutes — makes an immeasurable difference in their reading lives. It helps shape their attitude toward reading and motivation to read on their own.”
Get your child ready to succeed with our back-to-school guide, which is full of recommended books, teacher tips, homework help, and other resources for a great school year.
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