Additional Coverage:
- As a former teacher, I saw just how many kids were behind in reading. Now I want to help parents set their kids up for success. (businessinsider.com)
Local Dad’s Mission: Make Reading a Slam Dunk for His Kids
Spencer Russell, a local father of two young boys and head of literacy strategy at Lovevery, knows firsthand the struggles of a reluctant reader. He wasn’t a fan of reading growing up, finding it stressful and a source of insecurity.
But his experience as a kindergarten teacher in Houston opened his eyes to the critical role reading plays in a child’s confidence and academic success. This realization ignited a passion in him to ensure his own children had a different experience.
Russell’s eldest son, now a thriving 7-year-old bookworm, began reading at the remarkable age of two. “He devours books, mostly fact books and sports biographies,” Russell shares proudly.
“His love for reading has broadened his understanding of the world in a way I never experienced at his age.” Now, Russell is using the same techniques with his 5-month-old, introducing him to the world of words through textured books and regular reading sessions.
Russell’s professional experience has given him unique insights into common parental missteps when it comes to reading. He stresses that reading aloud to children, even just for a few minutes each day, is crucial for their development, regardless of whether they seem to enjoy it initially.
“We do lots of things for our kids that aren’t necessarily fun, but are important,” he points out. “Reading should be no different.”
He encourages parents to find books that engage both them and their child, making reading a shared, enjoyable experience. For Russell and his son, that common ground was found in sports and nonfiction.
He also acknowledges the pervasive challenge of screen time, which can make even the most captivating book seem dull in comparison. “If your child can sit mesmerized by a screen for hours but struggles to focus on a book,” Russell observes, “they likely have a screen problem, not a reading problem.” He urges parents to honestly assess their own screen time habits and set healthy boundaries for the entire family.
With two-thirds of fourth graders reading below grade level nationwide, Russell emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “Your child is twice as likely to struggle with reading as excel at it,” he states frankly.
He encourages parents to actively participate in their children’s reading journey, starting early and seeking help if they notice their child falling behind. While he acknowledges that each family’s approach will be different, he believes that a parent’s love and understanding are invaluable tools in helping a child learn to read.
“It may take some trial and error,” Russell admits, “but developing strong reading skills is worth the effort.”