Easy Ways to Help Kids Read More at Home

By Maureen Schlosser | Teacher Tips

How are your students doing with their reading homework? Can I take a guess?

Some children read every night with their family. Others do not read at all.

Am I right? If so, I bet you're wondering what else you can do to encourage your students to read at home.

Start by celebrating National Literacy Month with your students. Take the time to talk with your students about reading at home, challenge them to read a book a night with their families, and take the time to share resources with parents.

Here are 2 Easy Ways You Can Help Kids Read More At Home

Send Home Funny Books

Borrow a copy of a funny book from your library, read it to your class, and send the book home with children who don't read outside of school. A book like Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, is a perfect choice. It's funny illustrations and entertaining story about farm animals with ambition will keep both adults and children engaged.

You can also tuck a copy of Cronin's "About Me" page and one of the BookPagez comprehension strategy lesson plans into the book. Doing so will encourage families to learn more more about the author and provide parents with some ideas on how to talk about the book. Once children are hooked on the book and have made a connection with the author, they will want to discover more of Doreen Cronin's books and share them with their families.

Here are some more funny titles to share with families:

  • Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
  • Dragon's Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
  • What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss
  • The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak
  • Baloney, Henry P. By Jon Scieszka

Share Online Reading Resources with Families

The month of November is Family Literacy Month. Help families focus on reading by sharing a list of online resources guaranteed to turn screen time into reading time. Families can explore current events, play fun reading games, and watch as Academy Award winning actors and actresses read their favorite children's books aloud.

Here are 5 Free Reading Websites for Kids

Click here to print a list of kid friendly reading websites.