With so much time at home due to coronavirus (COVID-19), many parents are encouraging their students to read. As homeschool instructors, we support this healthy habit!
There are countless benefits to reading. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta outlines a host of benefits of reading at all ages, including enhanced brain health and a heightened ability to empathize.
Whether you have an enthusiastic or reluctant reader on your hands, or someone in between, follow these steps to help your child read at home:
Ask your child what they like to read.
Many times, we assume our children’s preferences without consulting them directly. Maybe your child doesn’t like reading at home, but still remembers a book from the library you checked out years ago. If your child doesn’t have a favorite book, start with a subject. Any starting place is a good starting place!
Search for books by subject.
What does your child love? Now take that term or phrase and ask Google for reading lists about that subject by age or grade. If you don’t find results, consider some of these sources for book list recommendations: A Mighty Girl, Loose Canon, and Goodreads.
If your child has a favorite book, plug the title into Amazon to find similar titles.
You’ve probably seen this feature while online shopping, and it’s an excellent way to find book titles. Type your child’s favorite book title into the Amazon “search” function, click on the title, and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll find similar books under “Frequently bought together” and “Customers who bought this item also bought.”
Experiment with formats.
Your child may not be able to sit still and read a traditional novel, and that’s OK. Consider audio books, comics, graphic novels, e-books, and even picture books to start. You may be surprised to see your child’s interest in storytelling grow from these introductions.
Be positive about your child’s reading choices.
No one likes to be shamed for their interests, and that sentiment applies to reading as well. No matter the material or format, if your child is interested, we encourage you to encourage them. Absorbing stories of many kinds, in all ways, has benefits.
See if your local bookstore delivers.
To adjust to the spread of COVID-19, many bookstores are shifting their policies to include curbside pick-up and delivery. Check in with your local bookstore to learn their policy.
And, finally, read for your own pleasure.
Children learn best by modeling parents. Has it been a while since you’ve picked up a book for fun? Use the steps above to build your own reading list!
At Academics Plus, we believe in personalized education that helps your child become a life- long confident learner. Click here to book a virtual homeschooling package today or call us at 404-816-0708 to talk through a learning plan for your child.
