A required daily reading log is common practice in today's classrooms.
However, many parents and students dread this daily reading time as it is often the source of household tension and tears.
But parents hold the key to the success of this very valuable homework assignment.
Taking an active role in this daily reading, no matter what grade your child is in, is a start.
However, there are many other things parents can do to make this time less stressful and, with time, make it an assignment to look forward to.
oTurn off the TV.
This goes for the radio too.
It is difficult to concentrate on the words on the page when your child is distracted by other things.
Find a quiet place in the house where your child is not distracted by the television, computer, radio, telephone, or siblings.
oLet your child catch you reading.
Children learn by example, and quickly at that.
How often have you seen your child imitate a less-than-perfect behavior that you have? They are always watching and listening, even when you least expect it! If your child sees you reading-a newspaper, novel, magazine, paperwork brought home from the office-he is more likely to see this as a productive way to spend his time.
And, if reading is something you enjoy doing, talk to your child about some of the things you are reading.
This is a great way to open the lines of communication and turn him on to reading oRead together.
Bedtime is a great time to wind down from the day and enjoy a little one-on-one time with your child.
Any child will look forward to reading with or to a parent.
If your child is too young to read on her own, read to her.
If she is already reading independently, ask her to read aloud or pick up another copy of the book she is reading.
Then you can talk about the book together.
Even if you don't share the same interest in reading material, you will know what she is reading and be able to share some special time with her.
oFind books at your child's reading level.
Nothing is more frustrating to a child than not understanding what he is reading.
Make sure what your child is reading is at his reading level.
If you suspect the book he chose is too hard, ask him to read a page to you aloud.
If he struggles with at least five words on the page, the book may be above his reading level.
Talk to his teacher about how to find books more at his level without discouraging his ability to choose.
oGo to the library.
If someone told you that you had to read a specific book (think back to your own days in school), you likely wouldn't enjoy it.
The same goes for your child.
Take him to the library or local book store and allow him to choose his own books.
If he chooses what interests him, he will enjoy the assignment more and will likely look forward to reading time.
Librarians are a great resource if your child still has a difficult time finding something he likes.
oGet help from the professionals.
There are so many resources available to help you and your child find success in daily reading time.
Your child's teacher, the school's reading specialist, Scholastic, and various other web sites can give you great ideas of how you can help your child.
In the end, encourage and support your child as she completes her reading homework each night.
Remove distractions, read with your child, and encourage her to choose her own books at her own reading level.
When in doubt, get help from the professionals in your child's school and the community.
Extra time invested in this vital assignment will reap huge rewards in the future.