Building Reading Stamina

What do teachers mean when they talk about building your child’s writing and reading stamina?

In your child’s academic report, building reading and writing stamina are often referenced as the next steps to improve achievement in English, and as a result, their achievement in all other subject areas. For example, if you can increase the amount of time you can concentrate and read, you are more likely to absorb more information and strengthen your vocabulary. If you can sit for sustained periods and write, you are more likely to improve your transcription and flow of ideas.

Why do we need to build stamina?

Research tells us that students who can read for 20 minutes each day are exposed to almost 2 million words. In contrast, a child who reads for only 5 minutes per day is exposed to 280,000 words. Reading stamina is having the energy and the concentration to focus on reading for at least 30 continuous minutes a day.

For students who lack stamina, reading is a frustrating and unpleasant experience, so they tend to read as little as possible. However, today, reading is a life skill needed for future success, as well as for the joy that a personal reading life brings.

What does this look like in the classroom?

In class, students engage in silent reading to build their stamina where they learn the behaviours and habits of independent readers.

How can we support our children at home to build stamina in reading?

Developing reading stamina is like training to run a mile in less than 8 minutes. Both require regular practice to increase energy and concentration (Robb, L, 2016).

Here are some ways you can support children at home.

•          Make reading an activity to get excited about, not a chore

•          Go to the library and choose books your child is interested in

•          Brainstorm together what focused reading looks like and turn it into a visual

•          Set the timer for 5 minutes and gradually build up

•          Celebrate successes towards goals

•          Ask your child questions about what they have read and get curious

•          Create a quiet environment for reading to minimise distractions

•          Learn alongside them

Lost Property Junior College

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Our lost property is to capacity- we would love these items to return home.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5