Reading with your children is more than just an educational task; it’s a heartwarming journey that nurtures their curiosity, love for learning, and character. With the abundance of books available, choosing the right ones might seem daunting. However, by tuning into your children’s interests and exploring trusted reading lists and awards, you can transform your home into a lively library that ignites their imaginations and fosters a lifelong passion for reading. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect reading experience for your family:
1. Every Child Is Unique
Each child is wonderfully unique, with their own interests and pace of learning. Notice what captivates their imagination and how they connect with different stories. This insight allows you to tailor their reading experiences to their personal tastes and abilities, making learning an exciting adventure crafted just for them.
2. Utilize Helpful Resources
There are many resources at your disposal, such as recommended reading lists, online reviews, and literary awards, which can guide you in finding suitable books. Whether you are browsing the curated lists on homeschooling websites or checking out award-winning titles at the library, these tools can help you discover books that are both enriching and enjoyable. [For example, the following are the reading lists currently available on our website: Must Read Books for Elementary School.]
Besides general public reading lists, many publishers who create homeschool curricula include a variety of wholesome books in addition to their teaching products. Abeka or Milestone Books have been among our favorite suppliers of quality literature over the years.
Stepping a little bit outside the Christian reading circles, we learned that books with well-known awards tend to provide a better quality of themes, language, and character-building than others. When visiting the library, look for the award seals printed on the covers, for example, Newberry Medal. For the most part, we found these titles quite enjoyable and inspiring. [Edit: Since writing this blog post, I have seen other opinions written by homeschooling parents about award-winning books. Even though we have not encountered any issues with the books we read, I highly recommend an article by Jamie Erickson Why My Kids DON’T Read Many Award Winners. She has done extensive research on the subject and her points are worth considering.]
3. Assess Content and Themes
It is important to look beyond the book cover and consider the themes and content within. Choose books that reflect your family values and are appropriate for your children’s ages. This ensures the stories are not only engaging but also contribute to meaningful discussions and intellectual growth.
4. Explore Author and Illustrator Backgrounds
The creators behind the books are as important as the stories themselves. Learning about the authors and illustrators can give you insights into the depth of the books and help you decide if they resonate with your family’s values. This understanding can enrich your reading choices and enhance the connection between your children and the stories they read.
5. Consider Variety
Expose your children to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds through literature. This diversity teaches them to appreciate and understand the vast world beyond their own experiences, equipping them to navigate and cherish the complexities of life.
6. Support Reading Skills Development
As you curate your home library, consider including books that support the development of your children’s reading skills. This means selecting a range of books from picture books for the younger ones to chapter books and more complex narratives for the older children. Interactive books with puzzles and questions can enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. Regularly including new genres and progressively challenging texts can help foster resilience in reading, encouraging your children to become confident and proficient readers. This approach ensures that as your children grow, their books grow with them, continuously supporting their educational journey and personal development.
7. Encourage Exploration and Dialog
Create a cozy reading space, establish regular reading times, and discuss the stories you read together. Talk about the characters, plot twists, and lessons within the pages. This not only makes reading more engaging but also strengthens your bond as you embark on these literary adventures together.
By following these steps, you can create a joyful and enriching reading environment that encourages your children to explore, learn, and grow through the wonderful world of books.
