Maple Ridge library shares ways to help children build reading skills

When fall arrives, children return to classrooms after a summer of outdoor play, adventures and, hopefully, the library’s Summer Reading Club. Caregivers may wonder how to encourage reading once the summer’s weekly prizes are over. Learning to read is a major part of early elementary skill-building, and reading helps children succeed at school, learn about the world and enjoy stories. Many families visit the library for Babytimes and Storytimes before kindergarten to build early literacy skills. The library can also support children in Grades 1 to 4 as they move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

Two key skills underpin reading: decoding and comprehension. Decoding means breaking down a word to work it out, including through phonics; comprehension means understanding its meaning. Teachers and librarians can help families develop both.

Library staff can help families find a “just right” book. The library does not organize books into sections by grade because a suitable choice should interest the child and be within their ability to read the words and understand the meaning. Families can ask staff for suggestions or try the five-finger method. Have the child read a page from a book they like, silently or aloud, and raise one finger for each word they cannot decode. If no fingers go up, the book is suitable for independent reading. More than five difficult words may make it frustrating to read alone. Typically, a book that prompts two to four fingers offers a manageable challenge that can build literacy.

The library’s Grab & Go Bags offer another way to discover books. Each bag contains five books selected by staff and grouped around broad reading levels. Picture books work well for reading together, while easy readers and novels give children a chance to practise independently. The contents are a surprise until the bag is checked out and taken home. Families can read one book, or return the whole bag and try again.

Families do not need to limit themselves to borrowing one book. If a child does not like a book, it can be returned. Literacy professionals say that simply having books at home is a strong indicator of a child being a stronger reader. Taking out several books also eases the pressure to choose one perfect book. The library encourages families to take home five or more. A library card allows up to 60 items, and the Fraser Valley Regional Library no longer charges daily overdue fines. The library wants families to have books around the home and shares its collection with the community.

Reading Buddies, supported for years by the library’s teen advisory group, pairs children in Grades 1 to 3 with teen volunteers for weekly meetings over six-week sessions. Teen volunteers share their enthusiasm for reading, while younger children practise with an older peer. Sessions fill quickly. Teens interested in volunteering can pick up an application for the teen advisory group at the library or email mrtag@fvrl.bc.ca. Families with younger children can join the waitlist through the library’s events page at fvrl.bc.ca/events by searching for “Reading Buddies.”

Learning to read is a big task, and it is normal for children and caregivers to feel overwhelmed at times. Families do not have to manage it alone. The library can help children get more chances to read, whether they are finding a suitable book, opening a surprise bag, practising with a reading buddy or bringing home a stack to explore. There is no single right way to become a reader; the important thing is to keep reading, exploring and discovering what books have to offer. Visit www.fvrl.bc.ca or contact a local library for more information about the Fraser Valley Regional Library’s programs and services.

Jordanne Stahl is a librarian at Maple Ridge Public Library.