Family Reading Time has benefits for the whole family

PHOTO: Turner Public Library assistant Amy Mahar’s family enjoys Family Reading Time as Matt Mahar reads aloud to, clockwise from bottom left, Philip, Ruth, Esther and Leah (with blanket). (Amy Mahar photo)

By Ellen Bradley
Turner Public Library director
TURNER — Whatever your situation is during the COVID-19 era, Family Reading Time can provide an antidote, an opportunity to slow things down, increase family time, provide essential practice in literacy skills and up the quality of life at home.
Ways to introduce, or improve, Family Reading Time:
* Start with an agreement among the decision makers. It’s essential that it be an inclusive family activity. Decision-makers — parents, grandparents, or other caregivers – should agree on what, when and how long. This means a smoother introduction, even with reluctant readers. Other details to nail down are:
* Will everyone read the same book together as a read-aloud or will each read their own book? * Will reading from electronic devices be allowed? (We encourage physical books, for practicing readers until they are strong independent readers, and for adults to avoid the temptation to stray during Family Reading Time).
* Plan backward! The fastest way to derail Family Reading Time is to allow too many exceptions that cancel the reading date. Start planning from the earliest bedtime backward. What do you want to ensure gets done before then? Family Reading Time works well as the last activity of the day, because the relaxed nature can make bedtime an easier ritual. We recommend posting the schedule until everyone has it memorized. It also teaches children to manage time, an essential life skill.
* Stick with it. Stay the course and find ways to encourage participation.
* Reduce distractions. Practicing early readers need to focus to develop strong literacy skills, and adults often have trouble concentrating when there are multiple input streams competing for attention. Turn off TVs and silence phones, laptops and devices.
* Make it special. Fix a favorite snack, don pajamas, settle in with blankets and stuffed animals, and spend a minute or two talking. Reconnecting is often a benefit families discover after implementing Family Reading Time.
* Mix it up. Allow younger readers to pick pictures they enjoy, even if the books are “too easy” for them. Combine the unabridged audiobook with the physical book to help practicing readers make the leap to longer novels, increase reading speed, build attention and increase vocabulary. Engage everyone in one book by taking turns reading aloud. Roll a dice cube or draw names from a hat to see whose turn it is to read or get creative in other ways.
* Be patient with reluctant participants. Young children accustomed to reading exclusively in school may resist until they realize it’s fun to read with others at home. Adults who enjoy vegging out in front of the TV may find it takes a few sessions to remember how relaxing reading is. Teens may decline to engage, but once they realize that Family Reading Time is a safe, non-judgmental time, they’ll come around.
* Support lovingly. Family Reading Time is meant to be a safe non-judgmental time for all. As practicing readers acquire reading skills, they should feel comfortable asking for help with unfamiliar words. Provide help without mocking or scolding and make that a rule. Family Reading Time is not about competition, although many families incorporate rewards such as a special snack, prize or stickers on a chart.
* Involve those you love who aren’t in the home. Connecting by phone or internet meeting apps, like Zoom or Skype, can be exceptions to the no electronic devices rule. Distant family members can join in Family Reading Time by reading aloud or talking about favorite books and current reading. The more family members who model a love of reading, the more that message will be absorbed.
* Incorporate assigned school reading. It’s often not the choice of the student, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a struggle. Share impressions and connections, support expanding vocabulary and engage in discussions that your child may not have in class or be reluctant to participate in.
Not sure where to start? Ask your librarian – that’s why we’re here!