Let’s Build STAMINA!
Reading Stamina That Is…
Reading is like a muscle—it gets stronger with practice! Helping our young readers build stamina can lead to a lifelong love of books and learning. As a parent or primary classroom teacher, it can be challenging to encourage students to read longer. Read below for some fun strategies to boost your child or student’s reading endurance. Remember every child is unique, so stay encouraged and find what works best for your child or students.
Access Engaging Reading Resources
Parent & Teacher Tips
Make it Interactive: Engage children by asking questions about the story, characters, and illustrations. Encourage them to predict what might happen next or retell the story in their own words. This can be done orally, or try using story maps and graphic organizers.
Mix it Up: Offer a variety of reading materials and activities, including books, magazines, comics, engaging video lessons, and even recipes or instructions to a favorite game. Let children explore different genres and formats to keep things exciting.
Lead by Example (Parents): Show children that reading is enjoyable by reading together as a family. Set aside dedicated time for family reading sessions, where everyone reads and family members can share their favorite stories.
Lead by Example (Educators): Dedicate a few minutes each day to whole class reading time where everyone, including you, stops everything and reads. Alternatively, have one of your center stations during small group time be independent reading. Create a cozy area in the classroom where students can enjoy their favorite books and stories.
Encourage Repeated Readings & Set Realistic Goals:
Begin with small reading sessions and gradually extend the duration over time. Encourage children to aim for just a few extra minutes (or even seconds!) each day. Utilize incentive charts as a motivational tool to celebrate their progress. Foster repeated readings by revisiting beloved books, stories, or even specific sections or sentences. Engage in choral reading, where everyone reads together, or echo reading, where the adult reads a passage first and the student repeats. This interactive approach not only builds reading stamina but also reinforces comprehension and fluency skills.
