As a follow-up to my Literacy Tip #63, I suggest that you select nonfiction books to balance with the fiction you read with your child. You may find what interests your child in the selections brought home from the school’s library and may be surprised to discover that children who struggle with reading choose nonfiction over fiction because they rely on the pictures. Pages of fiction’s unillustrated print intimidate struggling readers.

Apply simple strategies as you and your child read nonfiction together.

  • Preview by reading the title, subtitles, captions, etc.
  • Point out special features such as maps, summaries, the index.
  • Talk about what you both already know about the subject.
  • After reading aloud (either to your child or taking turns), reflect together on what you have learned. Ask, “What more do you want to know about . . .?”

Remember, reading aloud is a way of expanding even a proficient reader’s horizons. Books bring a smorgasbord of exciting experiences.

An easy entry into nonfiction for preschool through elementary-aged children are science books. National Geographic publishes a wide range of appealing subjects. Popular science writers for kids are Patricia Lauber and Seymour Simon.