Improving Children’s Reading Engagement.
I am fascinated by the process of reading. I believe it is the key to unlocking many doors. For example, it builds knowledge, understanding, feelings, expansive thinking and many more. Then there is the direct link between reading and learning other subjects. Therefore, improving your child’s reading level should be a key priority.
Three layers of reading
Research highlights there are three main layers to learning to read.
- Literal level – The stage of converting symbols into words, sounds and meaning in a structured sentence.
- Literal and beyond – Application of experience, judgement and knowledge to literal information.
- Personal level- Using emotions to react to the text, Anger, inspiration, annoyance, indifference, etc
First, it’s the eyes, then the mind and then emotions.
How individuals work through these stages differs greatly. And then even in adult life, we all read and use words in our unique ways. For example, I am a very erratic reader, jumping across multiple books at the same time. I also regularly use audiobooks to help bring stories alive for me. This is also the case from research which suggests that there is no ‘specific formula’ in teaching reading, as we are all different.
However, what does become a critical factor in the development of good reading habits, is balancing creating joy, with the functional aspects of learning how to do it. And one of the best ways to do this which covers all the basis is to read aloud with children. Can you remember those bedtime stories? It sparked imagination, developed listening skills, and opened your world up a little bit more. Talking through stories together helps children start working through the different reading layers without too much effort. Now what story will you start with?
Tom William, author of the first in the series The Cat Mouse Adventure to Cheese Paradise, wrote this article.
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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes