Motivating Your Child to Read More – Part 2
Motivating your child to read is going to play such an integral part in their life. Children who read more typically do better in school, develop better reading skills and have a greater love of reading. Encouraging your child to appreciate books will not only enrich their lives but will prepare them to succeed in the classroom and their future careers.
Motivating your child to read starts at school
Get to know your child’s teacher
Attend open houses and volunteer at your child’s school. Make it a point to greet the teacher when you pick up your child and drop them off. Having a face to the name does wonders when you need to communicate a difficulty.
Work as a team
Collaborate with the teacher and other school officials. Listen to their suggestions with an open mind and be respectful but persistent in getting the support you need. Ask the teacher for recommendations for reading materials, especially during the summer and other breaks.
Stay in touch
Consult the teacher for the best way to stay in touch with them, whether by email, phone or conferences. Maintain a regular schedule of progress reports. This is especially helpful if school boards have mandated only two formal report cards a year. Always remember; being in front of the classroom is a very challenging position to be in, and your child is one of many students a teacher is responsible for.
Screen for learning disabilities
Early testing is critical to identify learning disabilities and arranging special instruction if your child struggles with reading. UP Academy offers free, no-obligation dyslexia and reading screens to students in the Calgary area. (Please note: A diagnosis of a learning disability must be made by a registered psychologist and UP Academy can refer you to some of the best.) Your pediatrician can also help rule out health-related issues that could affect learning, like hearing or vision problems.
Ask for additional support
Remember, your child’s teacher has many students. If you need more assistance than the teacher can provide, schedule a meeting with the principal. Your child may have to be coded to access further support. Literacy is one of the most precious gifts you can share with your child. Help them discover the pleasures of reading, so they’ll have a more prosperous life.
At UP Academy, we realize every child is a unique individual. We love and honour that! Up Academy considers these differences in all programming by meeting kids at their skill level and taking them to where they need to go in the way that serves them best.
Whether you’re looking for a free reading assessment, one-on-one tutoring or the benefits of a 100% independent private school, we have you covered.
