Six Ways to Encourage Reading and Writing

The pandemic has created a unique set of educational challenges for children, including struggles with literacy. If you’ve found your child has lost interest in reading and writing over the last year and a half, you’re not alone.

“Without the typical structure of a traditional classroom environment, it’s easy for kids to disengage,” explains Noah Wilke, an elementary education specialist with San Diego Unified schools. Strong reading and writing skills are the building blocks for a child’s future success, but encouraging reluctant learners can be a daunting task. Here are some simple steps for keeping literacy at the forefront of your family’s daily life.

Incorporate Literacy

“It’s important to immerse young children in a literature-rich environment,” says Lois CoonsPeterson, an education specialist at Barnard Mandarin Magnet School in Pacific Beach.

Coons-Peterson recommends labeling one syllable items around the house (such as “door” and “stove”) from an early age. Young children can also help parents write grocery lists before they head to the store together.

“It’s OK for them to use invented/ phonetic spelling,” says CoonsPeterson. “Have them sound out and write ‘sireeal’ for cereal, ‘melk’ for milk—whatever they hear.”

Wilke agrees that perfect spelling isn’t necessary when encouraging young writers. “I think to ‘sweat’ spelling too much with kids shouldn’t be a priority, but you can make notes or give quick tips,” Wilke says. “Show them how the word looks, what it sounds like and what the letters do together, but do not focus on it. Focus on exposing kids to language.”

Read Together

Your pre-teens may think they’re too old for bedtime stories, but don’t nix the ritual completely. “Even if your child is reading independently, continue to read to and with them, ask questions about what they’re reading and have fun doing it,” says Wilke. “Good literature will stick with them.”

If your kiddo isn’t a fan of the classics, introduce them to comic books, graphic novels or poetry instead. In addition to finding books at your local library, children’s books are a popular item on Facebook “buy nothing” groups. Books can also be found at Little Free Libraries (LFL). Enter your zip code in the LFL world map at www.littlefreelibrary. org/ourmap to find one in your neighborhood.

Make Learning Fun

It’s no secret that children are more likely to engage with a subject they’re interested in. When reading feels like a chore, kids tend to get bored easily and give up. Activities like cooking or baking (have kids read the recipe), participating in a book exchange with friends or following a discovery trail of Little Free Libraries are low pressure, but help spark interest.

Incentives may keep kids motivated as well. “It’s all about making learning fun,” says Coons-Peterson. “Challenge your kids to weekly spelling bees. Memorize the words together and have a family spelling bee on Friday or Saturday. You can give small prizes (like a trip to your favorite coffee shop) to make it more exciting.”

If your child already loves to write and is ready to take the next step, read our article “How to Encourage Young Writers”, which features great resources such as where to attend Young Writers Camp and how to submit youth writing for publication. www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/big-kid/encouraging-young-writers

Here’s another great idea—start a book club. Read our article “Six Steps to Starting a Mother-Daughter Book Club” to find out how: www.sandiegofamily.com/parenting/ big-kid/six-steps-to-starting-amother-daughter-book-club.

Have Kids Keep a Journal

Kids of all ages can express themselves creatively and sharpen skills by writing in a notebook or daily journal.

“Writing is a terrific way to organize thoughts and achieve a clarity you might not otherwise achieve in your own head,” Wilke says. “There should be an emphasis on finding enjoyable or helpful applications. I like to write down my ideas, make drawings and organize my thoughts by writing lists, as well as music and lyrics.”

Journaling is also a great method for kids to keep track of trips, special occasions or record interesting sights and sounds in the world around them. “If you take a trip to the beach, [have kids] write about what they saw: waves, birds, sand, whatever it may be. Then have them draw pictures to go with the journal,” says Coons-Peterson.

For younger children, buy a premade journal with paper that has larger lines and room for pictures.

Be a Role Model

Kids follow their parents’ lead. Watching you read for fun will encourage your kiddo to do the same, says Coons-Peterson. “Dedicate 20-30 minutes daily to reading and model it. Your children should see you reading books or magazines, not just on a computer or smartphone.”

Use Online Resources

Websites are a handy supplementary tool for parents wanting to encourage literacy. Coons-Peterson is a fan of www.Education.com, where families can set up a free account and access printable worksheets, word finds and other activities.

Students with disabilities can especially benefit from online tools. “Students who have problems with their hands or limited mobility can use voice to text options on Google Docs to dictate thoughts and write papers and responses,” Coons-Peterson says. She also recommends the websites Reading A-Z and Raz Kids, which feature online books with read-aloud functions. Visit www.Raz-Kids.com and www. Readinga-z.com for information.

Natalie Dal Pra is a freelance writer who lives in North Park with her husband and daughter.

For more education resources, read our article “Tips to Keep Students Engaged in Learning at Home” at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ education-directory/how-to-increaseonline-student-engagement