Reading is one of the most meaningful habits children can build, for school, for life, and for their social-emotional well-being. This month, we’re excited to celebrate reading, share why it matters, and offer simple ways families can nurture a love of books at home.

Reading Strengthens Academic Achievement

Regular reading supports success in every subject. It builds vocabulary, boosts comprehension, and strengthens critical thinking. Children who develop early reading skills move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” helping them thrive in science, math, social studies, and more.

Deep, focused reading, often called close reading, helps students practice attention, reflection, and analysis.

Reading Builds Cognitive Development

Just a few minutes of daily reading strengthens brain pathways tied to language, memory, and reasoning. It also improves attention span and problem-solving, which are essential skills in school and in life.

Reading Supports Social Emotional Growth

Stories help children understand emotions, build empathy, and consider different perspectives. Reading together creates natural moments for talking about feelings, challenges, and coping strategies.

Reading Prepares Students for Life Beyond School

 Strong readers are better equipped for everyday tasks such as reading instructions, filling out forms, researching topics, and communicating clearly. Reading also broadens curiosity and cultural understanding, giving children tools to engage with the world around them.

 Even a short daily reading routine can make a big impact. Ten minutes a day builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens focus. Consistency, not duration, is what truly matters.

Children who read for pleasure, even occasionally, tend to have stronger reading skills and more confidence.

Try this at home:

• Set a nightly “10 minute reading pause” for the whole family.
• Keep books in backpacks, cars, or common areas, so they’re always within reach.

Reading aloud isn’t just for little ones; it benefits students of all ages. For younger children, hearing stories builds language skills, background knowledge, and listening stamina. Reading aloud from birth is one of the strongest predictors of school readiness.

Older readers benefit, too. Listening to more complex stories helps build comprehension and confidence, especially for students who may find independent reading challenging.

Most importantly, reading aloud creates shared moments that deepen connections and spark meaningful conversations.

Try this at home:

• Read a chapter book together as a family.
• Take turns reading during car rides or before bed.

 Children imitate what they see. When adults read regularly, children learn that reading is valuable and enjoyable. Choosing a book over a screen shows kids that quiet focus and imagination matter.

Creating a warm, book-friendly environment at home helps build motivation and confidence.

Try this at home:

• Let your child see you reading your favorite books or articles.
• Share something interesting you learned from your reading.
• Create a cozy reading spot for everyone to enjoy.

Some children aren’t reluctant because they dislike reading; they just haven’t found the right kind of reading yet. Graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, hobby-based books, and high-interest nonfiction can all spark engagement.

A little bit of daily, distraction free reading time, 10 to 30 minutes, can rebuild confidence and stamina. Choice is a powerful motivator, especially when reading connects to a child’s interests and identity.

Try this at home:

• Offer different formats: audiobooks, comics, magazines, or topic-based books.
• Celebrate even small reading milestones.
• Let kids choose their own reading materials as often as possible.

As school demands increase, leisure reading often declines, especially between ages 11 and 14. Yet these are the years when strong reading habits matter most.

Deep reading helps students stay focused, build resilience, and handle more challenging coursework. Offering engaging choices, encouraging book clubs or reading groups, and keeping routines consistent can help maintain motivation.

Try this at home:

• Keep reading part of daily routines, even with busy schedules.
• Encourage older students to explore new genres or join book-based clubs.
• Ask open-ended questions about what they’re reading to spark conversations.