Encourage Your Little Bookworm

Tomorrow is the kick-off of National Reading Month! This important month is meant to remind us all of the importance of literacy and how reading can help nurture a child’s imagination, creativity, and development. Keep reading to find out how you can encourage your child to read for success with mindfulness! 

Mindfulness practices can make reading even more enjoyable by providing children with tools that will help them be effective readers. Mindfulness can help them focus on the words they are reading and retain information better. It can also reduce the stress associated with schoolwork and give them confidence in their own reading skills. 

Mindful activities such as mindful movement, deep breathing, and meditation can help set the stage for successful reading sessions. When children are able to stay focused on what they are doing, it helps to maintain their comprehension level and allows for more extended periods of concentration. 

In addition to these physical activities, mindfulness also involves mindful eating habits, having a positive attitude towards learning, and self-care techniques, like making sure you have enough rest in order to be productive during reading sessions. Parents and teachers can take this time to encourage their students to read with purpose by incorporating mindfulness techniques into the learning process. 

Together we can foster a culture that encourages kids to savor books without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by the expectations placed upon them. At the same time, they read books and other materials. 

Let’s work together this month (and every month) to celebrate literacy!

Here are 5 easy activities to help your student read for success with mindfulness:

• Mindful Movement exercises: Simple movements such as stretching or walking can help improve focus, reduce restlessness, and boost overall energy levels. Encouraging your child to practice mindful movements before or during reading can help them remain engaged and attentive, leading to better retention and comprehension.

• Deep Breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and anxiety and create a calm, productive atmosphere for reading sessions. You can teach your child to take a few deep breaths before starting to read, which can help them relax and concentrate.

• Mindful Eating Habits: Encourage your child to take breaks during meals or snacks and practice mindful eating. This involves savoring each bite, knowing the taste and texture, and recognizing hunger signals. Mindful eating can help improve digestion, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, which can lead to better concentration during reading sessions.

• Positive Attitude towards Learning: Encouraging a growth mindset, where the focus is on progress and effort rather than grades or outcomes, can help your child reduce stress and enjoy the learning process. When children feel less pressure to perform, they are more likely to approach reading with a positive attitude, leading to a more enjoyable and effective experience.

• Self-Care Routines: Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining concentration levels while reading and studying. Encourage your child to establish a consistent bedtime routine and prioritize sleep hygiene by avoiding electronic devices before bed. This can help ensure they get enough rest and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to engage in productive reading sessions.