Benefits of Reading 20 Minutes a Day

The above infographic is based on research that came out in 1987 by Nagy and Herman that shows students that read for twenty minutes a day, through daily practice become stronger readers and tend to do better academically.  The best part is that it does not matter what children choose to read as long as they are reading in order to reap the benefits.  Ongoing research shows that students will improve their reading if they choose to read:

  • picturebooks
  • graphic novels
  • magazines
  • newspapers
  • blogs (with parental supervision for appropriate content)
  • early chapter books series.

The purpose of reading 20 minutes a day is to promote a love of reading.  Therefore your child should be allowed to pick this book based on what they will enjoy, regardless of how “easy” it might be for them to read.  This reading time should not be considered a chore but an opportunity to spend some enjoyable time with a book of their choice.

If your child struggles with reading or simply enjoys listening to you read, this can be great a time for read aloud.  Students and adults of all ages benefit from read alouds because research shows they that children can understand stories 2 years above their reading ability.  Reading aloud is a great way to share a love reading together.  If you are hesitant to read aloud to your child, audio books are also a great way to share reading together.

Mom Fox’s Read Aloud Commandments:  Great tips and suggestions for reading aloud to your child from the author of Whoever You Are and Possum Magic.

 

Reading in Another Language

Many of our families come to Cascade Heights speaking and reading other languages.  Students are encouraged to read in their primary language at home as part of their 20 minutes of reading a day if they choose.  The Burnaby Public Library has a section for children’s books in other languages that is worth investigating.  Research shows that reading in a student’s primary language will help build their vocabulary, which will then support them in wanting to learn that higher level vocabulary equivalent in English.  The ability to speak, read and write in more than one language should always be promoted and supported.  Please ask myself or Ms. Yip if you have any questions about supporting your child as they develop their English Language skills.

Burnaby Public Library

If you go the Ebook and Audio book tab on the website, you will reach Tumblebooks.  These children’s books include:

  • Picturebooks
  • Graphic Novels
  • Early Chapter Books
  • Non-Fiction Children’s Books

Students are able to read the books on the screen or if they click on the play button on the bottom left corner of the screen, the book will be read to them.  Many students enjoy listening to the book or chapter first, then trying reading the book with the reader and then trying to read the book on their own.

Good news for families that are returning to the library in person:

The BPL is doing away with library fines.  Library fines had been shown to limit the amount people were willing to use the library without providing a benefit in terms of increasing the library return rate so the library will no longer be charging late fines.  Yeah, because nobody is perfect.