LOCAL FAMILY FUN
Let’s Read! In honor of National Read Across America Day (and Dr. Seuss’ birthday) on March 2, we asked three local authors how parents can inspire their kids to love reading.
Editor’s note: Our panel of authors included Tammi Sauer, a full-time children’s book author who has written 29 books and presents at schools and conferences across the nation; Mary Nhin, an entrepreneur who launched her writing career in 2019 and has already written 20 children’s books, several in conjunction with her middle son; and Kristin Williamson, children’s services manager for the Metropolitan Library System and author of Our Day at the Zoo. BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
How can parents best inspire their kids to read?
STUDENTS WELCOME AUTHOR TAMMI SAUER READING A COLLECTION OF HER 29 BOOKS. MOM MARY AND SON KOBE NHIN AT A BOOK READING FOR THEIR GROW GRIT BOOK SERIES.
Sauer: When kids see their parents reading for pleasure they are more likely to be readers themselves. Have all sorts of reading material in the home - novels, picture books, comic books and cookbooks. I always have books in my car and bag. Make trips to the library or bookstore feel like an event. There’s nothing like the connection of sharing a book with a kid. It’s a great time to engage, ask questions and get kids to share.
As kids learn to read themselves, how can parents still encourage and engage with them when it comes to reading? Williamson: Read a chapter book together as a family after dinner or before bed. My parents still read to me when I was in high school.
Nhin: Even though I’m an avid reader, my three boys don’t always gravitate to it. But in my experience, if you can find a subject they are interested in and get them hooked, that’s the best motivator. Once they delve into a subject they really like then that love of reading can grow. You’ve planted the seed. What about kids who just don’t want to sit still for a story? Williamson: It’s more important that reading interactions are positive than that they are long. If your toddler is not having it, put the book away and come back to it later. The more you practice those behaviors, the longer they will be able to sit and the more they will associate those interactions of reading and snuggling and sharing books together as part of the love between a parent and a child.
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heart. He discovered the My Weird School series and he loved it because it was really funny and he related to the main character. Give them choices above or below their reading level so they’re exposed to all kinds of material.
When it comes to filling out reading charts and keeping track of reading minutes for school, how can parents still make reading fun? Nhin: I remember those years of logging minutes! Books with dialogue help, and reading books with subjects important to the parent and child or practical to the child’s life can be another way to make reading fun. Sauer: When my son was in first grade he was not into reading and it about broke my
Nhin: One of the most difficult goals an author has is to write a book in a way that not only engages and entertains but leaves questions lingering. My goal with my books is that they inspire questions and thoughts so families can delve into deeper subjects, maybe the next day at dinner or when being tucked in a child asks those questions. That’s what a good book does. Sauer: Through middle school, my sister and her kids would end their day by sharing a book together. It’s a great way to expose kids to a better vocabulary and different experiences. Parents’ days are so busy that it’s easy for reading to get overlooked. But make it a priority, just like brushing your teeth.
