Some Suggestions on How Parents Can Help Students Read Novels

If your student is a struggling reader, you may want to sit and read with him. 

Why do some students succeed in school while others struggle with multiple classes across various grade levels?  The answer lies directly in the student's ability to comprehend what they read.  Information in schools is primarily conveyed to students through the written word.  Therefore, a student who struggles with reading will struggle in all classes.

So, what is a parent to do?  Encourage and help your child to read.  Show them that you value reading by reading in front of them.  Show them the books you read.  If you don't read, you should probably take up the habit. Start by reading books targeting your child's age group.  These books will appear interesting to your kid and may be your hook into piquing their interest. You don't have to read War and Peace. But, you do need to read in front of the children.

Engage kids in reading every day—even if it is only for a few minutes.  The sooner you start reading to your child, the better reader you will raise.  And the better reader you raise, the better student you will raise.  Your encouragement as a parent contributes to your child's ability to read, learn, and succeed in school.

For elementary grade students, this is often a simple task, as the little ones like colorful picture books and the little tykes can fit on our lap and snuggle while we read to them.  However, middle school kids are not quite so cuddly anymore.  They are more independent.  They do not want a parent leaning over them as they do their homework or read. 

So how can a parent help a middle schooler with reading problems get through an independent reading assignment?  First, read what your child reads the same way your child reads—independently.  Ask your middle schooler to leave the book on the table or counter so you can read it at a convenient time for you.  Then talk to your kid about the book over breakfast, on the drive to school, while doing household chores together, whenever.  Books should be shared.

Next, make reading rewarding. Set reading goals. If your child finishes the first 50 or 100 pages of a book, find a way to reward the effort. You could consider a family picnic, a movie, or a sweet treat from the store. Nothing too elaborate, because we don't want the kid reading for the rewards. The reward shows your child you approve of the reading behavior. Kids really want their parents' approval.

If your student is a struggling reader, you may want to sit and read with her.  Or if there are other siblings near the same age in the home, perhaps they can read the same book together and help each other understand the story.  Also, I encourage students to use audiobooks as long as they read while they listen.  But, again, mom and dad, be sure to be reading the book, too. Engage your child in conversations about the book.

What if you, the parent, struggle with reading? Be honest with your child. Explain your difficulties and experiences. Share with your child your school struggles honestly and tell them you want them to do better because you value education and you want your child to do better. And remind your child that learning doesn't end with a diploma. Reading is learning. Remind your child that you are learning with them while you are sharing the book. Remind your child that their goal should be to learn their whole life. Making reading an example of how to be a lifelong learner will benefit your child.

Dear parent, you may see a lot of this reading business as a responsibility. Well, it is. Children are responsibilities. Yes, teachers help with the skill of reading: the rules and how-tos of it all. But a kid needs an engaged parent interested in their learning to really push them towards success in school—and in life. So, this could be "work" to you; however, remember more than anything, this is an opportunity to spend quality time with your darlings. Trust me, it is worth every minute of your time you spend reading with a kid—or supporting their reading. Honest—cross my heart—it is worth every minute.

What are your thoughts on reading with children? Did you discover any tricks or tools along the way? Let us know! We would be happy to learn. Becasue this article is about some suggestions on how parents can help students read novels. I don't have all the answers.

Good luck. Much love. Remember, life is long. Books are short. Live more life in Books!

I'm Babs, and I LOVE books!