For every child, the first steps toward literacy start the same:mastering the alphabet, decoding words, and finally, reading simple stories. However, the journey towards becoming a passionate and skilled reader is like any endurance activity. Ittakes time, practice, and commitment. 

One of the reasons why building reading stamina from a young age is so crucial is its impact on academic success. Studies have shown that children with higher reading stamina have better concentration, improved comprehension, and perform better academically. Without sufficient reading stamina, as they progress through school, they may struggle to stay focused and understand longer and more challenging texts, hindering their overall academic performance.

Reading stamina is also closely linked to the development of critical thinking and imagination. When children can immerse themselves in books for an extended period, they are more likely to delve deeply into the stories, characters, and themes presented. This stimulates their imagination and creativity, helping them to make connections, ask questions, and think critically about the world around them.

Here are 4 simple steps to help your child’s reading stamina skyrocket: 

START EARLY

Introduce books and reading as early as possible. Read aloud to infants and toddlers, making it an enjoyable and interactive experience. As they grow, allow them to explore books independently, fostering a sense of curiosity and independence.

BE CONSISTENT 

Children are good at picking up what adults value and what we don’t. When our schedules are tight, what do we eliminate from the day? If it’s reading time, we risk sending the message that it’s not a priority. As much as possible, try to be consistent and predictable, making sure the time allotted just to reading is not forgone in our busy schedules.

SET GOALS

Though 10-15 minutes is considered a good start, you can even start with 5. The most important thing to remember is that every child is different. Start with small achievable goals, watch your child experience immediate success and work up from there. 

LET THEM CHOOSE

Giving your child continued access to diverse books at their reading level and allowing them to choose what they read creates ownership and increased engagement.

Remember to celebrate the Progress. Every milestone is worth celebrating. Whether it is the first day your little one read independently for 10 minutes or a month of daily reading logged in their reading journal, celebrating these accomplishments will only increase reading stamina.

Investing time and effort in building literacy skills helps children succeed academically as well as socially. It is an investment that is sure to pay off.