You might be asking yourself, How long should you read each day with your children? Let me tell you, reading 20 minutes per night is the magic number.
Why is it important to read with children?
As a teacher , there are many things I wish my students’ parents knew about reading with their children. Reading 20 minutes per night is one of the most important things parents could do to help their children succeed.
How much time do kids spend reading? Twelve millions. Students who read more than 30 minutes per day are likely to encounter 13.7million words between kindergarten and 12th grade. Their peers who read less than 15 minutes per day will likely be exposed to 1.5 million words at graduation. This is a difference of more than 12,000,000 words.
– Renaissance: The Long-Term Effects of Reading Practice
It makes perfect sense that children who read more have better vocabulary and reading skills. They also have better comprehension, fluency, reading comprehension, and overall literacy. Surprisingly, a steady 15-20 minute reading time per day can add up.
WHAT DOES READING 20 MINS A NIGHT REALLY MEAN?
This means your children are reading aloud to you. Children can practice reading aloud in a supportive and safe environment by reading aloud to their peers. It is easy to identify unfamiliar words and learn them. Children are simultaneously reading and listening, which results in fluency and ability to place words in context.
It’s a great way to spend quality time with your partner.
My Child can’t Read 20 Minutes Aloud
It’s a relaxed zone for reading that is free from pressure. You can set a timer for 20 mins and let your child read until they’re done. Then, you can take control. You can also split the time so that they each read a page while you read another.
No matter how old your children are, don’t forget the power of you reading chapter books aloud. This is a great family activity that encourages children to love reading, words and stories. This is a great example of why reading is so important.
Baby loves to read!
READING WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS
It’s a great time to establish a reading routine and spend time together exploring books. You can start with a good night’s book, or just a quick reading before you go to bed. You can work together to sit on the couch for longer periods until your child is interested in books for at least 10-15 minutes.
Your child can read aloud to you, and your child can point out the pictures to guess the story. It is important to get children interested in books so they can see the stories within.
Recommendations for Babies & Toddlers
Begin with a visit to the library, or one of my favourite baby and toddler books on topics that interest you child. These are some ideas for your home library.
- 1, 2, 3 Do the Dinosaur colorful book
- 199 Things on the Farm Book (also 199 Dinosaurs and 199 Zoo Animals).
- The Alphabet for Peculiar Creatures Book
- Good Night, Cuddles, and Kisses!
- Great Books for Children Ages 1 and 2 and Older
- Let’s share a book!
READING WITH PRESCHOOLERS
Preschool and Kindergarten are the best places for your children to read the repetitive, small books such as “I went into the store.” Mommy went to that store. Daddy also went to the store. We had a lot of fun !”.
Every journey begins with one step. This is your first step.
Recommendations for Books 3 Years and Up
- Alfie, Bet’s ABC Pop up Book
- Amelia Who Could Fly Photo Book About Amelia Earhart
- The Biggest Story
- Bob is a Unicorn
- Great Books for Children Ages 3 and Older
Recommended Books for Children 4 Years and Up
- Bears don’t read
- Cordelia is able to fly.
- Different! Flo, the flamingo, always feels different. But her friends help her see that everyone is unique.
- Hooray, it’s Garbage Day!
- Great Books for Children Ages 4 and Older
READING WITH KINDERGARTEN AGES KIDS
Each of the small books should be read three times for this level.
- The first time that you read to sound out the words or identify sight words.
- You are reading for comprehension.
- The third time you’re reading to improve fluency (to be able to read faster).
Remember: If your time is still under 20 minutes, you can read with your child.
