What does research say about ways parents can help their children with reading?

You will find your child's STAR Reader evaluation in Monday folders today.  Research shows that children who read on or above grade level succeed in school.  The reading level on the report will be highlighted; for example, if your child scored a 5.6, this number would be equivalent to 5th grade/6th month reading ability.  If your child is not reading at or above grade level, you may find these research based suggestions beneficial to boost his or her reading level. 

• Provide a good role model — read yourself and read often to your child.
• Provide varied reading material — some for reading enjoyment and some with information about hobbies and interests.
• Encourage activities that require reading — for example, cooking (reading a recipe), constructing a kite (reading directions), or identifying an interesting bird's nest or a shell collected at the beach (using a reference book).
• Establish a reading time, even if it is only ten minutes a day.
• Write notes to your school-age child; encourage written responses.
• Ask your child to bring a library book home to read to a younger sibling.
• Establish one evening a week for reading (instead of television viewing).
• Encourage your child in all reading efforts.