At Aberdeen School District, we believe every child has the potential to fall in love with reading. Strong reading habits build confidence, open doors to learning, and create lifelong learners. But developing a love of books doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when families and schools work together.
Here are some simple, tried-and-true ways you can help your child become a stronger, more enthusiastic reader at home:
1. Read Every Day, Even Just 15 Minutes
Consistency is more important than length. A daily reading routine, even just a quarter-hour before bedtime, sends the message that reading is a priority. Those small minutes add up to big progress over time.
2. Let Your Child Choose Books
Children are more likely to read when they get to choose. Whether it’s mysteries, sports stories, comics, or biographies, let them explore their interests. A book doesn’t have to be a “classic” to count; the best book is the one your child can’t put down.
3. Read Aloud At Any Age
Don’t stop reading aloud just because your child can read independently. Listening to books read with expression introduces new vocabulary, models fluent reading, and creates a special family bond.
4. Build a Literacy-Rich Home
Keep books, magazines, or even newspapers within easy reach. A basket of books by the couch, a shelf in your child’s room, or a library card that’s used often, all of these create an environment where reading is natural.
5. Talk About What You Read
Ask questions: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character do you like best?” Conversations about books help children think more deeply and make connections to their own lives.
6. Be a Reading Role Model
When children see adults reading, whether it’s a novel, the Bible, the newspaper, or recipes, they learn that reading matters. Let them catch you with a book in your hands.
7. Celebrate Reading Milestones
Finished a first chapter book? Completed summer reading? Celebrate with a small reward like choosing the next book, a family outing to the library, or even a special “reading night” with popcorn and blankets.
A Final Word
Encouraging literacy doesn’t require expensive programs or hours of extra work. It comes down to making reading part of everyday life. By creating joyful experiences around books, families give children one of the most powerful gifts of all—the confidence to say, “I am a reader.”
At Aberdeen School District, we are proud to partner with parents, grandparents, and guardians in raising readers who are ready to succeed in school and in life.