Kids’ reading skills are at a surprising low, and parents might be the secret weapon to reversing this trend. Imagine 40% of fourth graders struggling with basic reading abilities—that’s a wake-up call for families everywhere. But where do you begin if you want to help your child become a confident reader?
A recent report revealed that students’ literacy skills have dipped to unprecedented lows. The research showed that a huge portion of children are scoring “below-basic” in reading by fourth grade. This isn’t just a random statistic; it highlights a widespread challenge that affects kids’ success in school and beyond.
Why kids need extra help learning to read now more than ever
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education for millions, and its effects are still being felt. The NWEA, an organization focused on educational research from kindergarten through high school, recently shared valuable tips for parents to boost their children’s reading skills, especially as summer looms—the season when many kids experience the notorious “summer slide,” losing progress they made during the school year.
This post-pandemic era comes with extra hurdles in learning. Many students are attempting to catch up, and parents can play a crucial role in that journey. Creating an encouraging reading environment at home may well be the key to turning things around.
If you’ve noticed your child struggling to read or just want to foster a love of books, these expert-backed recommendations can be a good place to start.
Make reading fun and rewarding with simple strategies
One of the biggest barriers to kids reading more is that it sometimes feels like a chore. Jeannie Votykpa, a learning scientist at NWEA, suggests creating a reward system that celebrates reading achievements—whether it’s finishing a chapter, reading a story aloud, or visiting the library. But here’s the catch: the rewards should connect to reading itself, like a shiny new bookmark or extra time picking books to enjoy, rather than toys or unrelated prizes.
Turning reading into a game or an exciting experience helps kids associate books with joy rather than stress.
Read together as a family to build connection and skills
Reading alone can feel lonely and intimidating for children. Francie Alexander from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt reminds us of the power of reading as a shared family activity. Setting aside time to read together – hearing a story and then having the child read back – can skyrocket vocabulary and comprehension development.
My own experience with my niece and nephew shows how these moments can bond you. When I read aloud to them and they took turns reading to me, I saw their confidence bloom almost overnight. It made reading a highlight of our day rather than a task.
Making reading part of your bedtime routine also signals to children that stories and literacy are as important as brushing teeth before bed. This consistent approach nurtures a culture of literacy at home.
Tailor reading activities to children’s interests and challenges
Not every child loves traditional books, and that’s okay. The NWEA encourages parents to connect reading with your child’s hobbies—whether it’s sports stats, music lyrics, or art magazines. When kids see how reading supports what they already enjoy, it becomes a much easier habit to build.
For families with children who face learning differences like ADHD or dyslexia, the road may require additional support. Identifying those challenges early and teaming up with educators could make all the difference.
Even kids who shine in school’s other subjects might need help with nuanced reading skills such as understanding story elements like conflict or climax. Parents can keep reinforcing these skills by discussing stories or reading aloud together, even if their kids already read independently.
Reading isn’t just about school success; it’s a building block for lifelong learning and curiosity. Taking steps to encourage reading at home can have a profound impact on your child’s future—academically and personally.
Have you tried any of these strategies to support your child’s reading journey? What challenges have you faced? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and build a community that helps every child become a confident reader. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow parents who might need an extra boost!
The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease and Books to Build On inspired me to read aloud daily to my son. I made a real effort to find books he would enjoy. Sometimes I’d read aloud the first few chapters and then ask him to read the next few silently and tell me what happened. I did this year after year, and now my son has just completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science. Yes, he’s tech-savvy—but he’s also a strong, thoughtful reader.
Recently, I gave him a stack of ten of Sam Altman’s favorite and most influential books. His mind was absolutely blown by Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, which was actually published in 1932.
So to all parents: buy books, go to the library, and always have a book, article, or poem on hand to read aloud to your child. And yes—encourage silent reading too. Put the phones down.
I’ll also brag a little: in his junior year of high school, my son came home beaming and told me he got the highest reading comprehension score in his English class. I told him, “That’s great—it just means you have a strong mind.” But remember: no one is a strong reader if they’re not familiar with the language. I’d be completely lost reading his electrical engineering notes! But when you read, and you keep reading, it builds something powerful.