GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Some people, both children and adults, see reading as a chore, while others find great joy inside the pages of a book.
Research shows, the solution to taking the work out of reading is CHOICE.
A book chosen by a child is one that is more likely to be read.
Tara Baxter is a Literacy Coach at the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science. She says the benefits of choice are many.
“The students develop a better attitude. And then it gives them power. So then they own what they're reading,” said Baxter, “Because they're choosing it. And then that correlates into better test scores, because they're actually reading more because they chose what they're reading.”
In fact, research shows allowing kids to choose their own books improves their independence and self-esteem.
Parents should ask their child why they chose a certain book.
It’ll help them develop critical thinking skills and allow the parent to get to know them better. And, one more benefit.
Studies show that when we read a book, we’re really absorbed in it improves brain function.
Children tend to remember how words are spelled, grammar and sentence structure.
All good things.