Do you remember Pizza Hut’s “BOOK IT!” Program? In the ‘80s and ‘90s, students could earn a coupon for a free personal pan pizza by reading a certain number of books. Those were the good ol’ days! As a culture, we have been looking for ways to incentivize reading for decades. With the introduction of the many technological distractions that occupy our children’s time, we continue to strive to help our students spend time in a good book. There is a real and present challenge to helping our students discover the joy of reading, which is an essential skill for their academic success and personal growth. Two different approaches that we can use to foster a love for reading are reading books aloud and independent reading. These can take place both at home and at school, and with regular practice, can set students on the path to becoming lifelong readers. Here are some ways you can encourage reading at home:
Reading aloud to children, even as they grow older, is a simple yet highly effective way to support their literacy development. Studies show that read-alouds help build vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills while also modeling a love for books. We encourage you to set aside time each day to read to your child or engage in family reading time. Whether it’s a story, poem, or even a news article, reading aloud fosters strong social interactions and helps children connect with the text in meaningful ways.
Additionally, independent reading is crucial for developing reading stamina. Allow your child to choose books that interest them, whether it’s a favorite series or a nonfiction book on a topic they love. Providing this choice helps students develop ownership of their reading journey, making them more likely to read both in and out of school. Even as little as 15 minutes of daily independent reading can lead to significant improvements in your student’s reading performance at school. By supporting these habits at home, you’re helping your child build a foundation for lifelong literacy.
During the month of November, our elementary school is encouraging families to participate in “No Screen November”. Starting this Friday, there will be a month-long emphasis on minimizing screen time for children. This will be a great month to engage in a new book together as a family or encourage your student to pick up a new book to read! Watch for information to come home about how your family can get involved in this initiative to inspire healthy habits in our children. Maybe after your family meets their “no screen” goal, you can take them out for a personal pan pizza!
For more information on this topic, read this article by the International Literacy Association.