So, your reader has taken a leap in their reading ability and is soaring ahead of their peers. This is exciting, but it’s true that raising kids who are advanced readers comes with its own set of challenge. First of all, a huge congratulations to you and your book-loving champ! It’s a proud moment, but it’s natural to wonder, “What do I do next?” Don’t worry; I’ve got your back with some friendly advice.
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Celebrate and Encourage
First things first โ celebrate the achievement (with an emphasis on their hard work)! Your child’s enthusiasm for reading is something to be cherished. Let them know how proud you are of their hard work and the love they’ve developed for books. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Find Challenging, Yet Enjoyable Reads
Now that your little reader is craving more, it’s time to explore books that match their advanced skills and still match their interests. Don’t forget to mix in a variety of genres โ from adventure and mystery to science fiction and historical tales.
Ask Me for Book Recommendations
If you feel a little stumped on which books meet these parameters for your reader, I would love to help! Here at The Miraculous Journey of Books, I love to find books that are a perfect fit for the readers in your life. Getting recommendations is simple. You can visit this page to learn more. You will be directed to checkout and then given the opportunity to tell me the ages, interests, and any specific needs of your readers. I will get back to you with a list of great books during our next nap time!
Classic Literature
One of the best places to start when it comes to challenging, yet age-appropriate stories is to consider classic literature. Many of these books are more complexly written and would be perfect for your child.
Book Series
Another great starting point is to find a book series for your child. I love this option because there are often many books in the series, so it affords you some time before you have to begin searching for another challenging book! Once they finish the first book, you know exactly what to hand over next: Book #2 in the series!
To learn more about the benefits of Books in a Series and find a list of some of my favorites, be sure to check out my post: 7 Reasons to Read Books in a Series.
Continue to Read Aloud!
Reading aloud to advanced readers is extremely important, no matter their age. A child’s silent reading comprehension level and their oral reading comprehension levels don’t typically converge until they are in 8th grade (Jim Trelease, The Read Aloud Handbook). Here are some of the benefits of reading aloud to your child:
- They hear examples of good fluency,
- children learn the correct pronunciation of new vocabulary words,
- you are bonding with your child,
- and they can comprehend books above their silent reading comprehension level. In other words, you can read even MORE challenging books. (If you want to.)
Connect with the School
Reach out to your child’s teacher and discuss their advanced reading level. Collaborate on strategies to keep your child engaged in the classroom while still allowing them to explore their love for reading independently. Working together with the school can ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
Foster a Love for Learning
Beyond the pages of books, encourage your child’s curiosity in other areas. Whether it’s science experiments, art projects, or nature walks, hands-on learning experiences can complement their advanced reading skills. This holistic approach to education supports their overall development and keeps their love for learning alive.
Nonfiction Books
Also, intentionally exploring these new experiences will encourage advanced readers to choose books on the topic. This is a great opportunity to share nonfiction books with your child, which can often be a little more challenging to read.
Embrace Individualized Learning
Consider incorporating personalized learning experiences at home. These subjects can supplement what advanced readers are learning at school, or be a new topics altogether. Most importantly, I would tailor your approach based on your child’s interests and strengths. This time shouldn’t feel like “extra school,” but instead, a fun opportunity to delve into something they really love. Utilize homeschool resources that align with their advanced reading level and provide opportunities for them to explore subjects deeply.
Connect with Like-Minded Readers
Encourage your child to connect with other young readers who share their passion. Whether through book clubs or online communities, interacting with peers who appreciate literature can be both motivating and enjoyable.
Many schools offer book clubs for their students, or you can find similar opportunities at your local library. Giving them this opportunity to talk about their reading (even if it’s for a book below their reading level), requires them to think more deeply about the reading and make connections to other stories or their own lives.
Be Mindful of Emotional Needs
While it’s exciting to see your child excel, be mindful of their emotional needs. Every book they read doesn’t have to push their ability. Sometimes, even I enjoy an easy “beach read” after a long day. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about their reading journey, and be there to support them through any challenges they may face.
Remember, every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Enjoy this incredible journey of discovery with your advanced readers, and relish the joy that reading brings to both of you.
