Three Ways to Improve A Student’s Reading Level

        

Books being prepared for donation. Photo by Anthony Grubb.

        Williamsburg, KY, Dec. 4 - When the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly three years ago Korie Nelson was in the first grade,

now Korie finds herself in the fourth grade with one big problem: she struggles to read. Educators and

parents alike are finding it difficult to teach and assess students who received an incomplete education

during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

One University of Virginia study stated that reading skills in younger students were at a 20-year low in the Fall of 2022. With statistics like this being observed throughout the United States, parents find themselves struggling to improve their student’s reading skills. 

Korie’s mother, Michelle Nelson, a third-grade teacher explained, “Even though I worked with her on her schoolwork, [Korie] is still behind in essential reading skills.” Even students who completed their virtual assignments found the years of the pandemic to be difficult. 

If a student is struggling with their reading skills, these four methods may aid in strengthening their reading abilities. 

1. Read With The Child Every Night

One of the most basic activities parents, siblings, guardians, and other friends and family members can do with a young student is to read with them. Mrs. Renee Claxton, the Reading Recovery Coordinator at Whitley North Elementary School, said, “Reading with a child is one of the most important things someone can do. 20-30 minutes of reading a day can improve a student’s reading level tremendously.” 

To improve a student’s reading ability, students must interact with books and other literary mediums. The more experience a student has with reading material, the stronger their reading skills will be. 

“The more a student interacts with books, the more words a student will learn,” explained Claxton, “Students need exposure to reading material, especially in their early years of schooling.”

Parents should introduce appropriate material to their child and read with their child. As the student’s skills improve, upgrade the books to a higher level. This challenges students but also allows them to become familiar with new literature, and words, thus increasing their reading ability. 

2. Take Advantage of Reading Programs

Many school districts throughout the nation offer after-school reading programs for students who wish to strengthen their reading and writing skills. These programs allow students to spend time with teachers and volunteers who work with the student’s current reading level. By attending these programs, students and parents receive one-on-one instruction on how to improve a student’s reading ability. 

One University of Connecticut study reported, “Students who participate for several years in programs sponsored by 21st Century Community Learning Centers have higher attendance in school and higher academic performance.” Teachers, during school hours, are unable to spend much time with one specific child as many classrooms contain over 20 students. Attending these after-school activities allows students to receive one-on-one instruction with teachers and teacher’s aids. 

Lori Nantz, a teacher’s aide at Whitley North Elementary School, said, “The students love staying after school and playing the reading games and activities [the teachers] have set up for them.” 

Students find their time after school full of reading games and writing activities that strengthen their English skills. Parents should consider attending these after-school sessions with their students to learn what skills their student needs help with. 

Kentucky First Lady and Miss Kentucky reading to children at a Family Reading Night Event at Whitley North Elementary School. Photo by Anthony Grubb. 

3. Stay Aware of Free Reading Resources

With the increase in prices affecting families throughout the United States, parents may struggle to afford reading material for their students. However, there are countless, free resources that parents can use to strengthen their students' reading and writing skills. 

Nantz explained, “There are so many resources [available] online for families to use. One of my personal favorites is the Imagination Library that Dolly Parton founded.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an excellent resource for parents who have young students. This foundation provides a free book once a month for every child registered. Parton’s foundation gives access to students who may otherwise have no books. 

“I encourage every parent to sign up for the Imagination Library,” said Claxton, “My children received books for the foundation and it made a big difference in their education.”

Other resources, such as a local public library and family resource center, provide free services to students. Families with students can contact their local librarians and school district for access to these resources. 

These easy, yet useful, means to increase a student’s reading and writing skills are important ways to bridge the gap in a student’s education. Not only are these steps useful for students of all grade levels, but they are also excellent exercises to allow students to review past material. 

The means listed above are not an exhaustive list but are useful ways for parents to engage with their students and build both their reading and writing skills.