Encouraging Kids to Read Starts Early, Continues in High School

A study released this month from the U.S. Census Bureau noted -- among other conclusions -- more kids are being read to early in life.

"Many young children are getting a head start on acquiring the skills needed to read, as family members take time out of their day on a regular basis to read aloud with them," the U.S. Census Bureau reported in a Aug. 11 statement. "In 2009, half of children age 1 to 5 were read to seven or more times a week by a family member."

The news is not surprising to local educators, who emphasize reading in various programs.

 offers a volunteer program called during the school year. The program pairs up a junior high or high school student with a kindergarten through second grade student for one-on-one reading assistance, said Margie Wegrzyn, head of youth services.

The library also hosts Wiggles and Giggles through September, an interactive program that encourages parents and caregivers to read to children from birth up to 36 months.

"We do try to encourage reading early on," Wegrzyn said. "It's interactive, to teach them how to read and interact with children at a very young age, to stress the importance of reading since birth."

And the emphasis on reading continues -- even through high school.

Nancy Spaniak, director of curriculum, instruction and professional development, said the school uses a three-pronged approach to have students testing at or above grade level, including:

• Reading courses are offered for all grades at all levels.
• All teachers in all classes are required to infuse literacy-strategy instruction into their lessons at least twice per week. Teachers are guided by in-house literacy coaches throughout the school year. 
• Specialized literacy programs and events are offered for all students and staff. For example, H-F's "Word of the Week" program challenges the school community to learn — and use — a new vocabulary word every week. H-F's library offers not only a summer-reading program, but also a monthly student book club that meets during lunchtime, author visits and after-school, book-related events such as last year's Twilight party.

The goal is to help students at all grade levels, Spaniak added.

"Everybody at some point comes across some text they struggle with," Spaniak said. "We strive to use reading instruction to improve comprehension in all content areas for all students."