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Raise a Savvy Reader: An Age-by-Age Guide

by Stephanie Dethlefs1/29/2009 11:41:07 AM

We all know that we are supposed to read to our children, but each developmental stage comes with its own needs and challenges. This handy guide will help you develop a strong structure for reading at home with children of any age.

Adjust reading patterns and strategies with your kids as they grow and develop.

Ages 0-3: Baby Bookworms
From the moment precious infants arrive in the world, they are sponges for language. It is our responsibility to provide them with something to soak in.

Read aloud every day. Baby books featuring rhythmic phrasing and rhymes will soothe your little one as well as introduce her to new words. (Even if she dozes off mid-book, she will love the sound of your voice.)

Set a consistent schedule for reading. Establish a time that works within your family’s daily routine. For many kids this happens at bedtime, but other times may work better for you.

Keep books within reach. Although the pages may spend a fair amount of time in her mouth, she will begin to understand the features of a book, including illustrations vs. text and how to turn a page.

Show her that you read, too. No one is suggesting you finally pick up War and Peace. But do show your child that reading is valued in your home, even if it has to be in short spurts of time.

Ages 3-5: Preschool Power Readers
This is the age of budding confidence. When it comes to reading, it is important to nurture their confidence by providing them lots of opportunities to show off what they know.

Encourage their “reading.” After your 9,563rd reading of Go, Dog, Go!, you may notice your budding reader saying the words along with you. You might begin to point to the words as you go.

Stop to ask questions about the story. Offering opportunities for your child to think about the story and talk about it will help to build reading comprehension skills.

Make reading fun. Talk about how much you enjoy reading with your child. Read aloud with expression and humor in your voice.

Browse for books. This age is a perfect time to introduce your child to the public library, used book stores, school surplus events, and garage sales. Encourage your child to explore topics of interest and choose books on his own, even if only for the pictures.

Point out words in the world. When you go out and about, talk about the written words you see around you.

Read at least 20 minutes daily. If your family’s schedule is crazy or your child is very active, don’t fear. Reading a book here and there through the day has the same benefits as one long stretch.

Ages 5-9: School-Age Scholars
They are now in school, and their world is turned on its ear. Keep the routines consistent while supporting them as independent readers.

Support their book selection. By this age, kids should be selecting their own books, but you’ll want to monitor the age- and level-appropriateness.

Have them read to you. Letting your child read to you will foster her confidence as a reader, as well as paint you a picture of her reading strengths and needs.

But let them read alone, too. Try a family reading time, where everyone is together in the same room, reading material of their own choosing.

Ages 9-12: Independent Intermediates
The exploding independence of preteens may drive parents crazy, but when it comes to reading we need to nourish it.

Ask them about their reading. Ask why he chose it, what he’s learning from it, how he feels reading it, and so on.

Keep up the old habits. Show your child that you value literacy through your actions more than your words. It will mean a lot more to them in the long run.

A Note About the Author: Stephanie Dethlefs

Stephanie Dethlefs is the mom of two children who writes, teaches, and runs the Young Writers Studio in her spare time. Originally from Seattle, she arrived in Bellingham in 1996. A perfect day would include playing outside with her husband and kids and getting lost in a book.