RAR #165: When Reading Starts to Feel Like School

It happens to all of us at one point or another: reading shifts in our kids’ lives from being principally about joy and delight into something that needs to be done for school.

A lot of us notice a significant drop in how much our kids are reading for pleasure once the school year is well underway.

This is a problem. 

According to the National Literacy Trust, those who enjoy reading are better, more confident readers who spend less time online, and are more motivated by interest and achievement. (source)

In fact, we know that no single literacy activity has a more positive effect on comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing ability, or overall academic achievement than free voluntary reading. (source)

Not assigned reading. 

Not reading for school. 

Free voluntary reading.

I want to sit on this for a moment because the emphasis here is on reading for pleasure. Simply being ABLE to read, or reading because you are told to does not confer the same benefits as reading for pleasure.

That’s what we’re tackling today on the podcast. 

We also get to hear from one of my favorite authors about his newest book release! 

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

• How less can actually be more when it comes to your child’s reading life
• Why we want our kids to be friendly and affectionate with the books they’re reading 
• A list of books that are just plain fun--my recommended reads if reading has hit a slump in your house (or if you’re just ready for a good time!)

Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/165/.