Reading materials come in many forms, storybooks, informational texts, magazines, comics, and each format provides unique benefits for elementary school children. They spark imagination and creativity, helping children explore new worlds and characters while developing empathy through the experiences of others. Having access to a variety of materials ensures that every child can discover a type of reading that excites them.

By navigating these different formats, children become more versatile readers, able to adapt to a wide range of texts as they progress in their education. The variety also fosters independent choice, giving children a sense of ownership over their learning and motivating them to read more frequently. Stories often carry lessons about kindness, problem-solving, and resilience, while nonfiction materials cultivate an appreciation for the diversity of cultures, ideas, and perspectives in the world.

I have personally witnessed this joy during my five years working in public libraries, where children light up with excitement when discovering new books or proudly sharing what they have read. Their enthusiasm demonstrates how empowering it is for them to find reading materials that truly resonate. Similarly, during my four years as a preschool teacher, I experienced their eagerness while listening to stories we read aloud. The laughter, curiosity, and wide-eyed wonder they showed confirmed how deeply stories impact their young minds. These experiences have reaffirmed for me the incredible value of providing children with diverse opportunities to engage with reading.

A lot of schools live by the "20 minutes a day" reading rule for students.  While that is generally a great time to spend with your children and a nice way to push their academics, it takes a little more attention than that.  Specifically, different levels require different styles of reading during this 20-minute time period.

  For students with a reading level 2nd grade and below, it generally makes more of a difference if you read a book to your child.  Reading to your child helps them with identifying sight words, feeling more comfortable reading aloud, sounding out difficult or longer words, and helps with reading comprehension.  A great way to do this is your classic bedtime stories.  Trust me when I say your child loves storytime.

  For students at a reading level 3rd grade and above, spending 20 minutes a night reading with your child, like a book club, is more beneficial.  It helps to deepen critical thinking skills, helps to push their reading levels and vocabulary, and makes a more confident reader.  

  Not only that, but spending time reading to and with your child helps the children grow a love of reading.  It's not something that can be taught, it has to be slowly nurtured and tended to like a garden.  My goal is to try and grow that love for reading in every student.  Please feel free to talk to me if you are looking for book recommendations that are more geared towards your children's preferences.  I'm happy to help.