I’m a Reader: 5 Ways You Model Reading for Your Kids

You don’t think you’re a reader?

Pish posh. You don’t have to be a bookworm to be a reader or model reading. Reading is one of those things that we do without thinking about it. Sort of like breathing, if you think about it.

Not every child will be a bookworm, but every child needs to be a successful reader, here are five ready-made ways you can show your kids how reading is important! Grab your morning beverage, enjoy the next three minutes, and then give yourself a high five!

5 Ways You Model Reading Already

#5. You were thumbing through the Sunday paper and shout “THAT’S what I want … and it’s on sale!”

Your teen turns around and asks you what you’re talking about, so you show them a picture of that must-have item … and point out the regular and sale prices.

OR: You’re grocery shopping with your second grader. They hand you a box of cereal from the shelf. You instinctively look for and check the ingredient list to make sure there’s no high fructose corn syrup.

#4. Fun or not, you’ve got to open those bills.

As you’re opening the mail and sorting the stacks, the kids are breezing in and out of the kitchen. “What are you doing Dad?” “Can I have a snack, Mom?”

They know it is the mail. They know it is important. They spotted you reading.

#3. You’re at the DMV, waiting your turn for your teen to take their driving test. To help pass the time, you decide to pull out the smartphone and check your email.
When you start laughing at the joke Aunt Mae sent you, the kids see what you’re doing, give you “the look” and whisper “ssshhh mom, you’re so embarrassing.”

OR: You are at the dentist’s office with the first grader. Every time they ask if it’s your turn yet, they’re spotting you reading. [For the record, nose in the phone is not a good thing to do all the time!]

#2. It’s been a long week. No pots, pans, or cooking for you … it’s time for family dinner out.
The eight-year-old is self-conscious doesn’t want to order from the “baby menu,” but she gets stuck on some of the words on the “big menu.” Together, you walk through the items. She points to the pictures, you read the meal description.

#1. You are traveling with your kids to a soccer tournament. Your “drats” is followed by “What’s wrong, Mom?” from the back seat.
You explain to the kids that you were going to Paradise, and even though it was written in big, bold letters, you missed the exit. Whether its this trip or another one, consider engaging the kids to help you read the signs. This is a great way to work together and practice reading.

Hey-ho, Reader! High Fives!

Congratulations! Celebrate the reader you are and how you’re helping your kids! Got other ideas on how to model reading? Leave us a comment. Your idea might just give someone else confidence, too!

Image credits:
Wikipedia – Exit Sign;
YouTube – restaurant menu;
Flickr/cogdogblog – a pile of bills;
Wikipedia/Diamondduste, shopping carts;
Wikipedia – smartphones