Reading is Tough Stuff

Reading can be hard work for kids. First, it taxes their brains because this skill is so new to them. You might compare it to an adult attempting to decode a pattern of foreign symbols and derive meaning from them, all without Little Orphan Annie’s secret decoder ring. Second, we often expect our child to sit still when every muscle in their body wants to move. Third, many don’t like being corrected, even if they were way off. This is a reminder that they are not quite getting it, which feels like failure. They can be sensitive little people! Try to keep these things in mind and practice patience.

In addition, children tend to mimic our attitude toward tasks. If reading isn’t really your thing, your kids could be picking up on that. You’ll need to put in some extra effort here. It’s important to show excitement prior to reading and enjoyment while reading a story. So if you aren’t currently delighting in it, fake it until it becomes real. I assure you that you’ll get there.

Celebrate Every Victory

When your child does sound out a word successfully, get through a session of reading, finish a book, or even pick up a book on their own, you should celebrate! Make a big deal out of this seemingly small accomplishment. Help them feel like it was worth the effort. Their confidence and pride will swell as you acknowledge the work they’ve done. Even reluctant readers will eventually look forward to celebrating their progress. 

Possible Rewards

• Run a victory lap (or four) around the house together. Yes, you need to do it, too! That’s what will make it extra fun and rewarding for them.
• Dance to the “Eye of the Tiger” or your child’s go-to rock anthem with the volume cranked up. If you didn’t already know, there are pretty great remixes of cartoon theme songs like “Winnie the Pooh,” “Doc McStuffins,” “The Pink Panther,” and “My Little Pony.”
• Make up a special handshake together.
• Sing the “Reading Rainbow” theme song at the top of your lungs.
• Get a refreshing drink or yummy snack together.
• Do a sandwich hug between loved ones.
• Allow them five minutes to dress up like a character from their book. You get to guess who they are. 
• Offer them something crafty to do (sidewalk chalk, bubbles, paints, etc.).
• Present your child to the rest of the family as though they were royalty. Announce their achievements and have everyone bow down and clap.
• Give them a small trinket. (Hello, dollar store!)
• Have them earn time on a device, preferably spent together.
• Pay them one cent per word or page read, whatever amount you think is appropriate for their level.
• Let them choose a piece of candy. Hey, sometimes you just gotta use what works!

When we celebrate our children’s little steps along their path to literacy and acquiring a love of reading, we convey the great importance of this skill. Soon, reading itself will become the reward. This week, I invite you to share with us what celebratory activity you chose and how your child responded. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Party on!