4 Tips for Raising a Life-Long Reader

In honor or National Reading Month, we asked our friend, Elizabeth, a children's librarian and co-founder of Tinker Teachers in Austin,Texas to share some tips on how to raise a life-long reader. Check out her list below. Also be sure to check out their new Summer camps, parent's night out, and birthday parties. Click here for more info.

March is National Reading Month. It is the perfect time to celebrate books and reading with your family. We all lead busy lives and it is often difficult to set aside time to sit with a book. It has been proven that children who enjoy reading have greater success in school and so fostering a love of reading in your child should be a priority, just like eating your veggies. 

In honor of National Reading Month, we challenge you to follow these simple tips and make reading and sharing books a part of your daily routine.

1. Let them read what they want to read! Captain Underpants, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, graphic novels, series -whatever sparks their interest and gets them hooked. Even if it's something you don't think is "quality" literature/writing - let them read! Fostering a love of reading at a young age is the most important thing.
2. Encourage, but don't force them to read - don't make reading a chore they have to complete. Go to the library or book store for inspiration, and let them pick out something that interests them.
3. Read together - pick a book that they are interested in and read it aloud together. Talk about your favorite parts and get their feedback on what they liked or disliked about the story.
4. Make reading part of your and their routine - if your kiddos see you reading daily, or often, it becomes a part of the family culture.

Elizabeth Mikeska-Benfield is a parent, children's librarian and co-found of Tinker Teachers (a bilingual, literacy-inspired maker-space - where kids can experience hands on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). She has a Masters degree in Education and most recently a Masters degree in Library Science from University of North Texas. After 10 years as a bilingual classroom teacher, starting her 'new chapter' as a librarian with Austin ISD is playing an important role in bringing her new business in makerspaces into AISD libraries and classrooms.