Starting Strong - A Parent's Guide

Benefits of Reading

Reading with your child at home is one of the most powerful ways to support their academic success, imagination, and emotional growth.

Children who are read to regularly enter kindergarten with exposure to approximately 1.4 million more words than those who are not, a phenomenon known as the "million word gap".

Why It Matters

Reading just 15–20 minutes a day can:

• Build vocabulary and language skills
• Strengthen focus and attention
• Boost imagination and creativity
• Improve empathy and understanding of others
• Deepen your parent-child bond

*It doesn’t have to be all at once — bedtime, after dinner, or even while waiting at an appointment are great opportunities.

Choosing the Right Books

• Pick books slightly above your child’s independent reading level to read together, and books at or below their level for independent practice.
• Include a mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, and picture books — variety keeps kids curious!
• Re-reading favorite books is great for fluency and confidence.

Try This At Home

Reading with your child is more than just reading to them. Try:

• Asking questions: “What do you think will happen next?”
• Making connections: “Does this remind you of anything?”
• Using expression: Bring the characters to life!
• Taking turns: Let them read a sentence or page, even if they’re just learning.

Most importantly — make it fun, warm, and pressure-free.

Parent Reflection

What does reading time currently look like in your home, and what is one small change you could make to strengthen that routine?