May 2012

Dear Families,

Reading Should Be Fun.

Always treat reading as a pleasurable activity; never use it as a punishment.

We are so very fortunate to be a literate society but all too often see reading in a negative light. It is used as a consequence or the only allowable activity when other privileges have been revoked. Reading should always be treated as a reward; never as a punishment or work.

Reading is an easy activity to encourage. Simply demonstrating your enjoyment of reading is a great place to start. Just as easy is to talk positively about reading. Some phrases you can use are:

• “You GET to read this book.”

• “I’m excited to see all of the words you know in this book.”

• “I can’t wait to read this book with you.”

It is also important to demonstrate reading is worthy of your and your child’s time. This too is easy to demonstrate. Ways to do this are:

• Turn everything off. This includes not just the television but also other electronics such as iPods and text, email, etc. capacity.

• Parallel read – Grab a book and read alongside your child. You can each read your own book or share one. Speak positively about the book you are reading or sharing.

• Talk about how you enjoy reading and choose it as a pleasure or free choice activity.

Conversely, it is just as important to avoid some things.

• Don’t say – “You have to read this book then you can “insert fun activity here” or “You can’t play until you get your reading done.”

• Don’t send your child to her/his room to read as a consequence. Be present, be active, be engaged in her/his reading.

Children reflect our attitudes and habits. Your model for reading and so much more has great influence. Encourage and be positive about reading in all you do.

Jerri Lynne Dedrick
Principal