Did you know that 2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare? Or, that over 70% of America’s inmates cannot read above a 4th grade level?
It may be hard to believe, but 1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning how to read. And as of 2011, America was the only free-market OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) country where the current generation was less well educated than the previous one.
Literacy is a learned skill. Illiteracy is passed down from parents who can neither read nor write. Here are a few simple tips to make sure that your kids become enthusiastic, proficient readers:
1. Be a role model. If your child sees you read, he will be more encouraged to do the same.
2. Get a magazine subscription. Children love to get things in the mail in their name. It’s special and they usually can’t wait for the next edition!
3. Movie tie-ins. If your child sees a movie she really likes, get the book about it. Usually books have more detail and add to the story line.
4. Try a riddle or joke book. Some children simply do not like to read. Keep a riddle or joke book handy for car rides. Let your child ask you some riddles or tell you a joke. She may find them amusing and become interested.
5. Read recipes or project directions. Have your child read the ingredients/instructions for making chocolate chip cookies or directions for assembling a new purchase. The results can be very rewarding.
6. “All-read.” Set time aside for every member of the family to curl up with a book or magazine.
7. Don’t use reading as a punishment. If your child associates reading with something negative, it will become negative.
8. Ask for help getting information. Let your child help you with vacation plans or similar activities.
9. Write a “book” or journal. Ask your child to write a few sentences at the end of each day. By the end of the summer, he’ll have a whole collection of adventures.
10. Read everywhere! Read road signs and billboards when traveling and read food labels when shopping. The opportunities are endless!
If you’d like some inspiring books to get started, take a look into our “Must-Read Kids’ Book List” which is conveniently organized by age category. To learn more about 1-on-1 instruction in reading at all levels, please call Back to Basics at 302-594-0754.
Celebrating 30 years of excellence in education! Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company offers a unique Department of Education-approved 1-on-1 K-12 Private School in Wilmington, Nationwide and a Nationwide Business and Trade School for ages 16 and older. In addition, the company offers translating and interpreting in 16 languages throughout Nationwide. Back to Basics is the winner of numerous awards for academic and business excellence including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
