Our just released fifth edition of Kids & Family Reading Report™ reaffirmed the importance of reading role models. The report shared predictors of what makes a child a frequent reader–reading books for fun five or more days a week–and among the three most powerful for kids ages 6–17 we saw having parents who are frequent readers. This inspiration and in light of National Mentoring Month, I’ve been pondering what it means to be a reading mentor.
Growing up, my reading mentors were absolutely within my family–from my dad reading the newspaper and brother reading comic books to my mother and sister reading Jane Austen. So much that as the youngest I would pretend to read even when I didn’t know how. Yet while I’m not alone in being raised a bookworm, not every child has this experience and in today’s world time in your day to read is fleeting. So how do we become or stay reading mentors and therefore keep encouraging more kids to be frequent readers? And by kids, I mean sons, daughters, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and neighbors. Really any child in your life!
We know that seeing is believing. So start simple and let them see you reading. If you’re reading an ebook, take a minute to consider if you need to explain that you are reading and not playing a game.
Ask questions about books. There are the natural questions of course. Do you like the book? What’s your favorite part or character? But to keep the topic of books fresh and really work your mentor muscles, think of new ones. Amy Mascott had a great post on Scholastic Parents with five NEW questions to ask.
Read aloud. Parents know what I’m talking about here! Reading aloud is powerful and also from the Kids & Family Reading Report we know that overall kids love it. It can be challenging though because of time and let’s be honest, sometimes interest. Here is a good resource for those rambunctious kids from Allison McDonald. If you’re a long distance reading mentor, tap into technology to bring your read alouds to a child in your life. Also remember that kids can read aloud to YOU. I love another of Allison’s posts that talks about six types of reading buddies. Finally, don’t breeze past this one if you aren’t a parent. You can volunteer to read aloud at your local library or school.
Provide access and choice. 91% of kids agree “my favorite books are the ones that I have picked out myself.” Bring kids to libraries and book stores. If you don’t have the opportunity for that, donate books to schools, libraries and shelters bringing them to kids that way!
These are just a few starting thoughts. How have you been a reading mentor? Or would you like to thank a reading mentor?
