How You Can Support An Emerging Reader

Pin It

Did you know?

Only 50% of low-income kindergarteners in the United Way service area have the skills they need to start reading.

Washington Post writer Janice D’Arcy recently interviewed Walter Dean Myers, who was just named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress.  Myers, who has written over 100 books, is a strong proponent of early literacy efforts – like those that United Way helps support.

Below is a synopsis of his tips that you can use to encourage the emerging reader in your life:

1. Turn off the TV! Read to your baby, toddler, and older children.
2. Set a regular reading time; or better yet, include reading as a regular part of family activity.
3. Make family trips to the library.
4. Select books that are colorful, have photos, and offer a few simple words – for beginning readers; and more challenging, age-appropriate books for older readers.
5. Have older children read to younger ones – so older children can practice their fluency skills, while younger ones “see” what good reading skills look like.

And United Way’s addition to this list:

1. Let your children see that YOU value reading – by reading daily in their presence. Don’t read by yourself after your children have gone to bed; read in the living room while they are playing – so they can witness the value of reading and know what lifelong learning looks like!
2. Lastly, please consider donating to the United Way programs that support early literacy efforts in our community.  Or consider volunteering your time to help an emerging reader in our community – because with your support, we can all help reduce the negative statistics and replace them with positive ones  that relate to educational success and  brighter futures for all children – as they enter school… then college, work, and life!

For the full Washington Post article, click here.

Tags: featured

Category: Education, News, United Way of East Central Iowa