How to Make Reading at Home More Enjoyable: Tips from a Mom who Loves it!

I recently saw a post in a Mom’s Facebook group from a mom asking how other moms manage to get reading homework done. The comments were full of other stressed-out moms with the same struggle. It actually made me a bit sad. Reading “homework” is by far my favorite part of the day. I am by no means an expert, but I thought I’d share some ideas that keep reading homework enjoyable for my family:

1.)     Change your mindset! Reading is not a chore. Reading is not something to rush to get done or something to check off a to-do list. Instead, think of reading as something you GET to do. Kids pick up on energy, so if you are looking forward to it and enjoying it, they will most likely follow.

2.)     Use reading to relax! Are you or your child frustrated or just having an annoying day? Take a “book break”. Dr. David Lewis’ research revealed that reading as little as 6 minutes a day can reduce stress by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mine. Literally and simply, reading relaxes you!

3.)     Routine, routine, routine. Get into a routine that works for your child. I don’t like forcing or scrambling to get in some reading time. Just like there are certain parts of the day that I do and don’t want to read, the same goes for kids. My son and I prefer to read right before bed (which is no surprise considering #2), so that’s what we do.

4.)     You don’t have to finish every book you start. Just like we turn a movie off if it isn’t interesting or stop watching a TV series if it is boring, you can stop reading a book that just isn’t keeping your child interested. A child will be more likely to give different books a try if they know they won’t be forced to finish it. It also helps to have a conversation on why they don’t like it, so you can help with book selections next time.  

5.)     Don’t rush to get a book or chapter finished. During reading time, it is o.k. to spend more time talking about the book’s characters, settings, predictions, etc., than reading it. Some books have cool illustrations that need a little extra time to take in. Slow down and really enjoy the book and all that it has to offer!

6.)     Always have a book with you. You never know when you will get some unexpected time to read. Reading has helped during traffic jams, waiting time before doctors or dentist appointments and at the airport!

7.)     Make reading fun!

a.       Use silly voices for each character.

b.       Alternate pages. If I’m sitting on the left side, I read the left page, and my son reads the right page or vice versa.

c.       “Would you rather” questions always keep us laughing during books. (E.g., “Would you rather have Captain Underpants or Amelia Bedelia as your best friend? I am Team Amelia Bedelia in case anyone cares.)

d.       Incorporate different locations every so often. Read at park, along the River Walk, in a fort you make, at a soda shop, etc.

e.       Ambiance is everything. Try reading a mystery or spooky book in the dark with a flashlight. Build a fort to read inside of. Get a giant fluffy blanket and some hot chocolate to read with.

f.        Utilize libraries. Ammon and Idaho Falls have great libraries. Kids love getting to pick out as many books as they want and can hold. The board games, 3D printer, table toys, art supplies and picking movies to rent also makes it fun for kids. While there, find a cozy spot and read for a bit in between other activities.

g.       Text! Reading a text is reading, so engage via text for awhile.

h.       Browse different stores online! Reading product descriptions is still reading. My son’s personal favorite right now is reading about different Lego Sets.

i.         Try a real newspaper. This is not a joke. Kids feel like you’ve taken them back in time when you pull out a newspaper. It is even better if you have a newspaper from 10+ years ago. This one is fun for elementary through high school aged kids.

Please comment on this blog with your tips and tricks! I’d love to hear what others enjoy about reading and ways you keep it fun!

Michelle Brown

Mother of 3^rd Grade WPSC Student

Love of Reading

When I was a kid, I hated reading.

I know that might be controversial to say as an English teacher, but it's the truth. I had a difficult time seeing the 'point' in my education in general, and because reading did not come as easily to me as art did, I was determined not to do it at all.

And then my teacher read Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. 

It is my personal belief that everyone has a story that was written just for them. And my hope for everyone I meet is that they have either already found that story or that they continue their journey to find it.

Black Beauty was my story. As our teacher read aloud to us, my heart caught fire on the magic that is the written word. Sewell's engaging narrative pulled me into her world of horse-drawn carriages and class struggles, then pushed me back into a reality where I could either remain stagnant or grow into the potential that I always had. 

Because of that story, and because I made the choice to grow, I went from the lowest level student to the highest in one year. 

It is because of that experience and many similar to it that I became a teacher. While it is true that every student's journey is unique and that much of their success depends on their willingness to grow, I also know that my teacher's choice to read to us is the catalyst that cased that change in myself. I know that, without her and many other incredible people in my life, I would not have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

So, while I do not consider myself the ultimate reason behind my student's success or failures, I take into account the importance of my role in their life every day. It is my job to provide those catalysts for growth and a love of learning that can only be sparked by those who have found it themselves.

The one universal truth I have found in educators is a genuine love of learning and developing forever.

For me, that love of learning came through the written word. For others, it may by that first science lab or math equation where everything just clicks. And for still others, that love could be seen on a football or soccer field while surrounded by the teammates who support you through any and everything. 

So, from one lost kid to another, please stay open to the possibilities all around you. Who knows? That history lesson or math worksheet could be the spark that sets off a lifetime dream - and even if it isn't, just take it one step at a time. It takes real bravery to keep trying...so let's keep trying together.

By: Amber Griffin, 6th Grade English/History

Discomfort Leads to Growth

Discomfort Leads to Growth

Teaching seventh grade is both a privilege and a challenge. It's a pivotal time in a child's life, where they navigate the often turbulent waters of adolescence and grapple with self-doubt. Last year, I introduced my students to Shakespeare's "The Tempest" through a group activity in which each group was tasked with performing a scene. Initially, the idea seemed fun and engaging, but soon, a wave of anxiety swept over some students when they realized they would perform in front of their peers.

One student, in particular, approached me with a request. She asked if she could perform just for me or be excused from the activity altogether because she felt uncomfortable. I empathized with her but explained that while I value comfort in my classroom, this was an opportunity for growth that I couldn’t let her shy away from. I told her that facing this challenge would make her stronger and more resilient. I stood my ground, clarifying that participation was a requirement because I believed in her potential.

Despite her anxiety, this student eventually embraced the fact that she had to perform. When the day of the presentation arrived, she not only completed her scene but did so with remarkable poise and confidence. I was thrilled to see her smiling throughout the performance, a testament to her triumph over her fears.

The real transformation happened later when the class was assigned a history presentation. This time, without hesitation, she volunteered to present. She didn’t even ask if she could perform just for me. Instead, she took the initiative to share what she had learned, showcasing her growth and newfound confidence.

Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of pushing students beyond their comfort zones. It reaffirmed my belief that growth often comes from facing challenges head-on. I also realized that my own journey as a teacher involves similar moments of discomfort. Each challenging situation helps me grow, reminding me that I, too, am on a path of continuous development. I cherish my interactions with my students, as they inspire me and highlight the importance of embracing vulnerability. Through our collective growth, I am reminded that every uncomfortable moment contributes to becoming a better educator.

As parents and educators, we have the profound responsibility to guide our students through these transformative moments, helping them discover their strength and resilience along the way.

Encouraging our kids to step out of their comfort zones is key. Whether it’s trying a new sport, speaking in front of the class, or tackling a difficult project, these experiences can lead to personal growth. It's important that our children understand that feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of learning and growing and that embracing discomfort can lead to significant personal growth. This understanding can be a powerful motivator for them.

So, let’s embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Let’s encourage our kids to take on challenges and try new things. By creating a home and a school where challenges are welcomed and viewed as chances to learn, we can help our children appreciate the knowledge that discomfort leads to growth. Let's inspire them to see that every step forward, no matter how small and uncomfortable, is a victory worth celebrating.

By: Angie Briscoe, 7th Grade English/History