Reading: Developing Positive Attitudes in Children

National Association Of School Psychologists

By Joann Mullen, Ph.D., NCSP

Trumbull County (OH) Board of Education

Overview

In the classroom, reading instruction typically focuses on specific skills such as sounding out words and building vocabulary. However, the development of positive reading attitudes is often overlooked. Children with positive reading attitudes tend to be willing to read, enjoy reading, and become lifelong readers. On the other hand, children with poor attitudes toward reading may only read when they have to read, tend to avoid reading, and may even refuse to read altogether. A child's attitude toward reading may have a profound impact upon his or her overall academic progress.

Background

As children progress from early childhood through their school years, they develop strong likes and dislikes, including positive or negative attitudes toward reading. Parents may underestimate the critical role they play in the development and shaping of their child's reading attitude. For example, young children view their parents as experts. Therefore, the information and values that parents share with their children about the importance of reading can significantly affect the attitudes that children develop. Parents are also role models for their children. By observing the attitudes that their parents exhibit--both verbally and nonverbally--toward reading, children will tend to develop and demonstrate similar attitudes. Furthermore, because children (particularly preschoolers) seek and desire approval from their parents, they tend to develop the attitudes and values that parents will praise and reinforce.

What Can I Do as a Parent?

Provide a variety of reading materials, such as magazines, newspapers, books, dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference materials in the home. These can often be purchased at used bookstores or library sales. By having easy access to reading materials, your child will be more likely to read for pleasure and/or to obtain information.

Let your child know how much you enjoy and learn from reading a book, newspaper article, magazine story, etc. As a result, your excitement and interest in reading will transfer to your child. Just observing you read helps your child to become aware of the value you place on reading.

Read with and to your child. Young children as well as older children enjoy listening to stories read with and to them. Also consider setting aside a "family reading time" on a regular basis. Each member of the family could read a portion of a book.

Visit the library so that your children can select their own reading materials based on their individual interests. Frequently, "story time" is offered at the local library, which can be a particularly enjoyable activity for young children.

Acknowledge your child when he or she reads or shares information obtained from reading. Because children want to please their parents, your recognition and positive reaction will have a significant impact upon their desire to read.

Be aware of the many activities of modern society which compete for reading time--video games, television, sports, computers, etc. Parents today face a significant challenge to create a home environment that supports and instills a love for reading. However, your efforts will bring your children the gift of a life-long habit of reading!

1998 National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda MD 20814--301~657 0270.

Helping Children at Home and School: Handouts from Your School Psychologist