Helping with Reading | Project Appleseed

Building a love for reading, one family at a time.

Engaging Families In Reading

Project Appleseed understands the significance of reading for children's academic success. Reading skills are essential for children to perform well in subjects such as math, science, English, history, and geography. To ensure their children's success in school, parents and teachers must work together to encourage a love for reading and to help develop their reading skills.

For preschoolers, parents can play a crucial role in developing an understanding of reading. Research shows that children learn about reading through observation and by seeing others around them reading books, newspapers, signs, and more. Parents can foster this understanding by talking with their preschoolers about signs in their environment and by sharing their own love of reading.

When reading to preschoolers, parents should make it a fun and enjoyable experience. By having warm and close interactions while reading, children develop a positive attitude towards reading. Project Appleseed suggests running an index finger under the line of print, which helps children begin to understand the meaning of words and the conventions of reading. Reading to preschoolers also provides an opportunity for vocabulary development, as children learn the meaning of new words through good literature.

For school-age children who struggle with reading, parents should provide a positive environment for reading. Encourage leisure-time reading at home and provide reading materials that interest them. Establishing a daily reading time, writing notes to your child, and asking them to read to a younger sibling can all help in developing their love for reading.

Research in reading suggests that children who read widely become better readers, and that reading and writing are complementary skills. Project Appleseed emphasizes the importance of parents as role models and supporters in their children's reading efforts. Parents can help their children by providing a good reading role model, varied reading materials, and encouraging activities that require reading.

Ways a Parent Can Help with Reading in Pre-school:

Read to your child regularly and make it a positive experience.
Run your index finger under the line of print to help your child understand words and their meanings.
Discuss signs and other print materials around you and the home.
Encourage vocabulary development by reading good literature with rich and interesting words.
Talk to your child about the books and stories you read to build comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Ways a Parent Can Help with Reading in Elementary School:

Provide a good role model by reading yourself and reading often to your child.
Offer a variety of reading materials, including books for leisure and information on hobbies and interests.
Encourage activities that require reading, such as cooking, constructing a kite, or identifying items with reference books.
Establish a regular reading time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day.
Write notes to your child and encourage written responses.
Encourage your child to read library books to a younger sibling.
Dedicate one evening a week for reading instead of television viewing.
Encourage and support your child in all reading efforts.

Ways a Parent Can Help with Reading in Middle School:

Encourage independent reading and provide access to a variety of books, including graphic novels and non-fiction.
Talk to your child about the books they are reading and ask questions to encourage critical thinking skills.
Encourage your child to join a book club or participate in other reading-based activities outside of school.
Provide a quiet and conducive reading environment at home.
Help your child develop study skills by assisting with reading and summarizing assigned texts.
Encourage note-taking and outlining to improve comprehension and recall.
Provide support and guidance as your child transitions to more complex and challenging reading materials.

Ways a Parent Can Help with Reading in High School:

Encourage advanced reading, including non-fiction and challenging literature.
Provide support and guidance in researching and reading materials for school projects.
Assist with note-taking and outlining to improve comprehension and recall.
Encourage independent reading and participation in book clubs or reading-based activities.
Provide access to a variety of resources, such as online articles, newspapers, and magazines.
Talk to your child about the books they are reading and ask questions to encourage critical thinking skills.
Provide a quiet and conducive reading environment at home.
Encourage and support your child in all reading efforts and academic pursuits.

There are many resources available for parents who want to help their children improve their reading skills. Here are some of the best resources for reading with students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels:

Elementary School: