How to make reading homework FUN!

“Why does my son keep bringing home books that are too easy for him? How will he learn anything if he isn’t challenged?”

Make reading homework fun for k-3 students, so they’ll become lifelong readers! Reading homework in kindergarten and the primary grades is usually familiar reading.

Books that kids have read more than once are considered ‘familiar’ text, and are an important piece of the early literacy journey.  Reading books that are easy over and over again help kids practice reading fluently, which means that reading sounds smooth, not choppy.  It should sound like talking, with expression and intonation.  Children need to practice familiar books many times before their reading  sounds quick, expressive and like spoken language.  Good fluency leads to good comprehension, an easier transition to the next reading level and confidence.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF FAMILIAR BOOKS:

1)      Take a sneak peek yourself before you read it together

This will enable you to give the child a brief overview of what the story is about, the characters’ names and activities and a sense of where to direct the pre-reading conversation to ‘activate’ related vocabulary and / or any prior life experiences that will help your child connect on an emotional level to the book.

2)      Have a quick look through the pictures together before reading the book, then ensure that your child knows to glance at the picture on each page before reading the words, and look back at it when needed.

Looking through all of the pictures prior to reading will give the reader a reminder of the entire story, from the beginning to the end, and will help him or her to predict what is coming up as he or she tackles the words and phrases on each page.  It also helps refresh the reader’s memory for new vocabulary and character’s names to avoid stumbling on them in the middle of a sentence.

3)      Take turns reading by alternating pages. 

Your reading sets an example and the pace for your time together.  It also helps you get through more stories in less time!  Another perk? Reading comprehension.  An experienced reader can bring characters to life with exaggerated voices, sound effects and expression.  Check out this video of master storyteller Robert Munsch for example:

Another perk of shared reading is that both partners can be listening to ensure that what is being read makes sense.  Want to jazz it up with a little humor? Check if your little reader is paying attention by throwing in something bizarre at the end of a sentence when it’s your turn to read something…

i.e. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first little pig lived in a house made of gummy worms…

4)     Keep it short and sweet!

A parent knows their own child best.  Goal number one is to ensure that kids think of reading homework as a fun time and maintain an enjoyment of books and stories.  Lighthearted fun, praise for a great time together and some laughter is a positive outcome.  For four to eight year olds? Five to twenty minutes per session, max! (And for goodness sakes, move around!)

5)      Brag.

Tell everyone you know how much fun you had reading together (in earshot of your little reader).

Would you like to print a free guide of these tips? See below!

What are your best-kept secrets for making reading homework fun with kids? Please share in the comments!