It’s debatable where this concept really ranks. Some might say it’s
actually the number one way to get children to read. But the truth is
that one of the most powerful ways to get children to read is for
parents, teachers, librarians, caregivers and others concerned with
helping children become readers is for us adults to simply accept the
idea that everything is reading, and then encourage that reading in
children.
For parents, this requires making a wide selection of books available
and accessible to children, including classics, adventures, mysteries,
biographies, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, sports books, humor,
non-fiction, encyclopedias, and yes – even graphic novels and comics.
But the idea of Everything is Reading is not limited to just
traditional books or ebooks. It includes newspapers, magazines,
websites, do-it-yourself manuals, even the back of cereal boxes and
more.
The idea is to encourage reading of any type. That encouragement and
acceptance can help kids to keep reading and might eventually lead them
to gain interest in reading a wider variety of other types of reading
material. The more a child reads, the more the child develops their
reading ability and the better chance they have to succeed in school
and life in general. To get them to read, be okay with what they’re
already reading or want to read.
For more on the concept that “Everything is Reading”, read my
interview
with elementary school librarian and SLJ 100 Scope Notes blogger,
Travis Jonker.
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