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Building Reading Stamina: A Guide for Parents
Madeline Waters • August 29, 2024
Reading stamina is crucial for children’s academic success, allowing them to focus and comprehend longer texts without losing interest or getting tired. As parents, you can help your child develop this skill! Here are some effective strategies to foster and enhance your child's reading stamina:
- Set a Routine: Establishing a consistent reading routine helps your child anticipate and look forward to reading time. Set aside specific times each day for reading, incorporating two sessions: one for reading together and one for independent reading. Consistency is key in building habits, so select a specific time each day for reading, such as right after school or before bed. Start with shorter reading sessions, around 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your child's stamina improves. During independent reading time, use tools like the One Minute Reader program for structure and support, helping your child build confidence and stamina in reading alone.
- Take Turns Reading Aloud: Reading aloud together can be a fun and interactive way to build reading stamina while spending quality family time. This practice is excellent for modeling fluent reading and allows your child to hear and see how you read. Begin with you reading a whole chapter and your child reading just the first sentence or paragraph, then gradually increase their responsibility by having them read one out of every three paragraphs, and then switching off each page. This method allows your child to build stamina in manageable steps, making the transition to longer independent reading sessions smoother.
- Provide a Variety of Reading Material: Having a variety of reading materials keeps your child engaged and motivated to read more. Allow your child to choose material that interests them, giving them a sense of responsibility and keeping them engaged. When children are interested in what they are reading, they are more likely to read for longer periods. Encourage them to switch between different genres or types of materials, such as chapter books, comics, or informative articles. This variety can make reading more exciting and less monotonous, helping to build reading stamina.
- Create a Comfortable Environment: A comfortable reading space can make a significant difference in encouraging your child to read for longer periods. Create a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit reading area by minimizing distractions like TV and other electronic devices. A cozy nook with pillows, good lighting, and a selection of books within reach can create a welcoming atmosphere. Including healthy snacks during reading time can also help keep your child's energy up, making it easier for them to focus and read for longer periods without getting hungry or tired.
- Set Goals and Track Progress: Setting measurable goals and tracking progress can motivate your child and give them a sense of accomplishment. Set specific, achievable reading goals related to the number of books read, the amount of time spent reading, or the number of pages completed. Involve your child in tracking their progress using a reading log or chart to keep track of the books they’ve read and the time spent reading. Celebrating milestones with rewards, like extra playtime or a special treat, can motivate your child to reach their goals. By involving your child in setting and tracking goals, you give them a sense of accountability and responsibility for their progress, increasing their motivation to build reading stamina.
Developing reading stamina takes time, but with these strategies, your child will become a more confident and capable reader.
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Regardless of where kids are on their reading journey, there are countless ways to incorporate reading into cozy days at home this winter. Here are some easy ideas for kids to try at home over winter break and beyond! Have kids think of the trusted friends, family members, or adults in their lives who can read, and encourage them to read aloud with these people as often as possible. Depending on their reading ability, they can simply listen to a book read aloud, or they can take turns reading and being read to. Have the kids fill out this Read-Aloud Log every time someone reads to them or every time they read to someone. You could offer a small reward for completing this activity every day of winter break (or every day during a predetermined time period). Reading aloud to their pets, stuffed animals, or even to themselves counts too! Set up reading challenges in which kids set goals and record their minutes spent reading or the number of books they read. Have kids color and decorate these winter-themed bookmarks to make reading even more fun. Encourage kids to borrow books from the library and have a big pile to choose from on cozy winter days. See this Cozy Wintertime Book List for book ideas. Refer to our 7 Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Environment document to create an ideal reading space. Lend or gift kids the first book in a series that’s likely to hook them. Sometimes all it takes is the right series to turn a reluctant reader into a bookworm! Incorporate reading time into other fun activities. For example, while making dinner or baking holiday treats, kids can read the recipes and write out the grocery lists. Create a snowflake book wall. Print out this Snowflake Wall Template , and have kids fill out a snowflake each time they finish a book. Then, have them tape the snowflake to the wall. Encourage kids to find ways to read while playing favorite games or while spending time on electronic devices. While playing games, have them read the game instructions aloud. While watching shows, have them turn on and read the subtitles. Have kids practice reading and writing while completing this fun Winter Scavenger Hunt . They’ll get some fresh air too! Refer to this Send Some Cheer printable for addresses to places where kids can send letters. Have them practice their writing skills and spread kindness by writing to kids in hospitals, senior citizens, refugee children, and more. Set up daily One Minute Reader time, and see literacy progress in just minutes! This research-proven, parent-trusted program is free for 7 days and just $8/month after that. Your kids will have so much fun beating their goals, they won't want to stop. Download the Splat-o-Nym vocabulary iPad app , which keeps kids entertained while boosting their vocabulary. Kids can try a free version of this game and purchase to get the full experience. Note that this app is only available for iPads, not smartphones or other devices. Add your own ideas to this list! Our hope is for all kids to experience the joy of reading this winter season and always.
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