Attention Parents:

How to Use Beanstack

Ways parents and caregivers can help students form healthy reading habits.

Tips include:

1. Encouraging daily, consistent reading

Studies show that reading daily helps children build reading capacity, comprehension, and fluency. Start small—even just five minutes a day can go a long way in establishing a strong reading habit. Aim for incremental increases throughout the school year.

2. Developing a nightly routine

Designate a specific time and place for kids to read a book at their reading level nightly. Choose the time that works best for you: after homework, after dinner, or before bedtime. Read to them, with them, or alongside them.

3. Creating a cozy space for reading

A child is more likely to want to read every day if they have a special place to do so. By utilizing pillows, blankets, comfortable furniture, and special lighting, kids feel more compelled to want to read and build that habit. You can model this behavior by encouraging everyone to read at this spot daily.

4. Reading on the go

Reading can happen at just about any time! Listen to audiobooks while traveling so kids hear fluent reading, bring a device with headphones so they can listen to audiobooks while you’re out running errands, or keep a bag of books in the car that they can access during long drives or between after-school activities—picture books and graphic novels are perfect for this.

5. Encouraging discussion

Discuss the book by asking them questions. You might ask, “What was your favorite part?” or “What surprised you about this book?” You can also ask them what they liked and disliked or who their favorite character was and why. Have kids brainstorm a different ending for further discussion to extend learning!