What every parent should know about the reading brain
The science of reading is clearer than it's ever been. Here's what it means for your family.
7 min read · Raising Readers editorial team
→Before you read
Ask your child: 'What does it mean to be good?' before opening the book. Note their answer — it's interesting to return to it afterwards. Don't steer it. There's no right response here, and children's initial definitions are often more interesting than adults expect.
Things to listen for
Pay attention to the moments when the main character does something that's almost good — technically right, but motivated by something complicated. These are the moments the book is most interested in. If your child notices them unprompted, they're reading carefully.
After you read
Return to the question from before: 'Has your answer changed?' Give your child time to think. It's okay if it hasn't changed — that's also an interesting answer. Ask: 'Was there a moment in the book where being good was hard?' and then, more quietly: 'Has there ever been a moment like that for you?'
About the author
RR
Raising Readers editorial team
Raising Readers editorial team
The Raising Readers editorial team brings together literacy researchers, classroom educators, and child development specialists to translate the latest evidence into practical guidance for parents.
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What every parent should know about the reading brain
The science of reading is clearer than it's ever been. Here's what it means for your family.
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→What every parent should know about the reading brain
The science of reading is clearer than it's ever been. Here's what it means for your family.
7 min read · Raising Readers editorial team
→