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Thankful for Reading: Simple Ways to Build Reading Into Busy Days
During November, people often pause to ask: What are you thankful for? If you’re like me, when it comes to our children, reading sits near the top of my list. The ability to read opens doors that little else can. It allows our children to learn, explore, imagine, communicate, and grow into increasingly independent people.
As we head into the last two months of the year, finding time for your children to read may become more challenging. Between school activities, sports, travel, and family commitments, reading can easily fall by the wayside. Identifying small pockets of time for reading can help keep it a part of your family's routine.
Reading at home doesn't have to mean sitting down for 30 minutes every night. Small, consistent opportunities to read can help children maintain and strengthen their skills during this busy time of year. Consider some of the following ideas:
- Think small. Commit to reading together for just 10-15 minutes on the busy days.
- Bring books along. Keep reading materials handy for errands, appointments, and travel.
- Listen and read along. Audiobooks can be a great way to enjoy stories together. Many libraries offer free audiobooks, including options children can follow along with in a print book.
- Invite relatives to join in. Ask grandparents, cousins, or other family members to share a book with your child.
- Try a morning reading routine. On days when evenings are filled with activities and commitments, find time to read in the morning.
- Make reading part of everyday activities.
Have your children read recipes, instructions, menus, or family schedules.
- Use an at-home reading program. A program such as
One Minute Reader Home can provide children with structured, independent reading practice at home.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is keeping a basket of seasonal children's books in our home. I have many fond memories reading these stories with our children and now I get to share them with our grandchildren. Reading a book that is enjoyed for only a brief time each year carries a special kind of excitement. These moments remind me that reading isn't just about building skills. It's also about creating connections, sharing experiences, and making memories that last long after the holidays are over. Here's a list of books on the theme of gratitude.
If you have other ideas on how to build reading into busy days, please share them with us!
The One Minute Reader team is so grateful for families like yours who support and encourage literacy every day. We wish you a wonderful holiday season!
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