Reading FAQs
Even with all of this information, you may still have questions! Here are some of the most common questions other families have. For more information, see the resources on page 28. 1. How much should my child be reading each night? In sixth grade, children should be independently reading for around 40–50 minutes each day outside of school. Those 40–50 minutes may be spent diving into one book or reading several smaller texts. 2. How can I encourage my child to read? It isn’t uncommon for children to lose their motivation to read as they age. To help your child get excited about books, try finding stories and texts about things he or she loves. It’s fine if your child chooses engaging books that are a bit above or below his or her reading level. Reading through websites, sending text messages, and watching movies based on the book your child is reading are also great ways to promote reading every day. Literacy comes in many forms, and it does not have to be intimidating or boring! 3. I think my child might be having trouble reading. How can I know for sure, and what can I do about it? It’s normal for children to fall a little behind in reading, just as it’s normal for them to sometimes work a little ahead. However, if your child hesitates often while reading aloud, takes a long time to follow written directions, or frequently guesses at how words are spelled without paying attention to the way they sound, it’s a good idea to reach out to your child’s teacher. If your child does have reading difficulties, ask her or his teacher what strategies are being used in school to support your child and what you can do at home to help. Always encourage your child, spend as much time reading with him or her as possible, and praise honest efforts. Your child’s teacher may recommend an in-school reading specialist whose support will get your child back on track. 4. How much screen time is too much? Do digital books (tablet, e-reader) count as screen time or as regular reading? How much screen time (both internet and television) to allow is a personal choice for each family to make. Two hours or less per day is generally recommended, but balanc- ing meals, physical activity, and sleep with technology use is the priority. Both digital books and print books can help your child build reading skills. It’s best to mix print and digital books in whatever balance works best for you and your child, counting all the time spent with either as reading.
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Family Guide to Literacy | Grade 6
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