Reading with the older child

What’s the big deal about reading? 

According to Jim Trelease (reading guru), children who read 37.8 minutes after school rank in the 90^th percentile on standardized testing such as the SAT-10.  Studies have shown that reading and math scores increase significantly from a reduction of TV time.  Reduce the amount of television your child watches and require them to read at home.  How much of your child’s time is taken up with watching television?

What should my child read? 

Struggling readers are more likely to reading material that is too difficult for them. Use the five-finger rule—if a child can randomly open a page of a book and find five or more words too difficult to read, they should choose another book.  Also, have your child read what they enjoy.  This will help with the motivation factor.  Consider comic books, magazines, biographies, picture books, and nonfiction.  These are often overlooked and can often be more interesting the children. The public library, school library, and your child’s classroom are great places for your child to borrow free books.