Book of the Month July 2016
Book of the Month
Raising Kids Who Read: What Parents and Teachers Can Do, Daniel T. Willingham, Ph.D., Jossey-Bass Publishing, 2015, $26.95
Dr. Willingham is a University of Virginia professor, specializing in cognitive psychology in K-16 education or “the science of reading.” This book doesn’t just promote reading, but gives specific directions for making reading happen.
Not everyone will agree with all the author’s suggested tactics, and not every tip will suit every child. But this book is a treasure trove of ideas and strategies, among which are many that could be just the ticket to turn even reluctant children into reading enthusiasts.
Willingham compares the various activities from which children can choose and determines, “Only reading elicits your contribution to the experience by demanding you mentally create the world described.” He says the act of reading in and of itself is the best way to assure “good decoding, comprehension, and motivation.” What we need to know is how to get children to read, even if it’s not their first choice of activity. Some children must be taught that reading is a pleasurable activity.
The author is unwilling to accept that “some kids are just destined not to be readers.” He encourages teachers and parents to never give up and never “back off” trying to encourage children to love reading.
He explains how children learn to read and why it’s important that they read proficiently and enjoy reading for recreation, as well as to find out information.
Specific recommendations to teachers and parents are divided into three sections, according to age: birth through preschool, K through second grade, and third grade and beyond.
When reading to very young children, show them the words and the pictures, how pages turn, and impart the general idea that we read from left to right. An expressive voice helps engage little people. Ham it up!
The kindergarten through second grade section offers many suggestions to get children reading and writing on their own. They include leaving notes for children around the house, having them bring in and sort the mail by recipient, and encouraging them to add items to the family grocery list.
At bedtime, parents can try asking, “What do we do at seven-o’clock?” This alternative to the command, “It’s bedtime,” encourages and models curiosity, participation, and interest.
Wellingham offers suggestions for encouraging what he calls the reluctant reader. He suggests a librarian might quiz the child about his interests and then be able to find matching books. He says, “Librarians are a vastly under appreciated resource.”
