Raising a Reader
- Bethany Valencik
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 17
How can you encourage your children to become avid readers? Many parents I tutor for want their children to fall in love with reading. As both a parent and an educator, I was worried when my young kindergartener seemed more captivated by TV shows than by reading books. I had laid the groundwork during early childhood: reading to her every day, visiting the library regularly, and ensuring she had easy access to engaging books at home. She didn't have any reading difficulties. What other elements could foster a passion for reading? Fast forward to today, and she eagerly devours fantasy, graphic novels, and even scary fiction! What events contributed to this newfound love?
Book Buddies
Does your child's school offer a book buddy program? In this program, a student from an upper grade reads with a student from a lower grade. Each brings their own book, and they find a spot in the classroom or hallway to read together for one class period each week. My child was introduced to the Wings of Fire graphic novel series by a 5th grader at that time. This opened up a new world for her, and she hasn't looked back! Programs like these provide students with the opportunity to discover new books they might not have considered before. They can even help improve a student's reading level if the book recommended by the older student captures the younger student's interest. If your child's school hasn't established a book buddy program yet, it's simple to set up. If you're part of a parent committee at the school, consider proposing this idea.
Find more Wings of Fire Books on Scholastic.com Book Series
Encourage your children to explore a book series. My child started with the Wings of Fire graphic novels and then moved on to the regular novels, which eventually led to other fantasy books like the Dragon Rider series by Cornelia Funke and the Spirit Animals series by Brandon Mull. I recall first noticing the Wings of Fire graphic novels and feeling concerned about the battle scenes and mild gore. I previewed the book and asked my daughter a few questions about her feelings regarding those scenes. In the end, I trusted her choice, believing she felt capable of handling it. Overall, I think it's important to let your child decide what they read and to be available for discussions if they encounter complex topics.
Libraries
Does your child's school have its own library? Do they attend a weekly library session where they can choose books with the help of a supportive librarian? This has been crucial in my child's development as a reader. If your school does not have a library, consider getting them a local library card and visiting the library a couple of times each month. Many students don't realize the wide range of reading options available until they visit a library. As a child, I frequently visited my local library, school library, and the local Bookmobile. From Garfield comic books to historical fiction, it was a treasure trove for my imagination, offering endless possibilities. One of the best resources I use in my tutoring sessions is the Philadelphia Free Library's Overdrive book selection. Even if you reside in another part of Pennsylvania, you can obtain a Philadelphia Free Library card online. Not living in Pennsylvania? Your local library is just a Google search away!
Bookstores, Book Fairs & Thrift Stores
Not everyone wants to spend money on books, and that's understandable. That's where libraries come in! Still, owning books is enjoyable, and you can share them once you're done. There are many used bookstores, both online and in your local area, offering books at discounted prices. If you decide to visit a regular bookstore with your child, remember that you're supporting local businesses and directly aiding authors. If cost is a concern, set a budget for your child beforehand. Some bookstores have loyalty programs that provide discounts after a certain amount is spent. It's likely that your child's school hosts the Scholastic Book Fair at least annually. My child enjoys marking the books on her wish list when the flyer arrives! We can't get them all, but buying new books has encouraged her to read her first scary book! The range of books available for students to choose from broadens their reading repertoire.
Read by Example
Lastly, make sure to be a reader. Do you read when your kids are present? Do you talk about books, their themes, and the ideas they contain? Literature is a common topic of conversation in our home, and our child often shares quotes, facts, or questions about vocabulary while reading. We've had discussions with our nine-year-old about topics like the economy, cultures, belief systems, fantasy, character development, suffering, and hope, to name a few! Unsure where to begin or looking for new reading ideas? I've got you covered. I've included a downloadable list of the latest books and publications we've read in our
household to inspire you. The kid's book list was co-created with my nine-year-old, and the book list for grown-ups are books my spouse and I have read and recommend. Happy reading and comment below with your book suggestions!
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Reading List for Kids
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