Why Reading With Your Child Matters—Even When You Only Have 10 Minutes

Reading with your child is about more than finishing a book.

Reading builds more than reading skills

Reading together can support:

• vocabulary

• comprehension

• listening skills

• background knowledge

• confidence

• conversation

• parent-child connection

Many parents ask:“What if we don’t have 30 minutes to read?”

You don’t need a perfect reading routine to make reading meaningful. Ten focused minutes can be more valuable than an unrealistic routine that becomes stressful for the entire family.

5 ways to make a short reading session count:

1. Let your child choose the book.

2. Ask one thoughtful question.

3. Stop and discuss an unfamiliar word.

4. Ask your child to make a prediction.

5. Have your child tell you one thing they remember.

Even a few minutes together each day can create meaningful growth. Your encouragement, patience, and time matter.

By choosing to read with your child, you are helping them become a stronger and more confident reader."

-Kelsey Kosan