Reading and School Success

Supporting and encouraging children to read is one of the most important things you can do to help them succeed in school. According to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), reading helps children in all school subjects and is the key to lifelong learning. The parent-child relationship can greatly effect a child’s attitude toward reading and his/her ability to read. As parents, teachers, etc., we have a responsibility to promote literacy. There are many ways we can accomplish this and USDE offers these tips:

Photo Credit: Elena Aguilar

• Start early. When your child is still a baby, read aloud to him. Reading should become part of your daily routine. 
• Make sure that your home has lots of reading materials that are appropriate for your child. Keep books, magazines and newspapers in the house. Reading materials don't have to be new or expensive. Ask family members and friends to consider giving your child books and magazine subscriptions as gifts for birthdays or other special occasions. 
• Show that you value reading. Let your child see you reading for pleasure as well as for performing your routine activities as an adult—reading letters and recipes, directions and instructions, newspapers, computer screens and so forth. 
• Get help for your child if he has a reading problem. When a child is having reading difficulties, the reason might be simple to understand and deal with. For example, your child might have trouble seeing and need glasses or he may just need more help with reading skills. If you think that your child needs extra help, ask his teachers about special services, such as after-school or summer reading programs. 
• Make reading fun! 

Check out these additional resources for:
Helping children cultivate a love for reading
Promoting independent reading
Helping your child succeed in school