I came across a post on social media about the reading proficiency of fourth grade Black children and was devastated. I immediately thought the information was exaggerated so I did my own research and came across the actual data on the Kids Count Data Center website and it was just as disheartening. The site illustrated that in 2024, 84% of Black fourth graders in the U.S. scored below their reading proficiency. In other words, only 16% of Black fourth graders scored at or above the reading proficiency for their grade.
Let’s let that sink in.
We often discuss the war on literacy in this country, but actually seeing the data and knowing how it’s impacting your own community is heartbreaking. I can spend weeks arguing the systemic oppression of Black and brown people, as well as all of the systems that it appears, which impacts our day-to-day lives which is absolutely true. However, I can’t ignore the fact that reading starts at home, and it starts early. Still, it’s never too late to foster a love for reading in your children. I cowrote this blog post with Anna Bane, a former educator turned baker and founder of Happily Boxd in Dallas, Texas. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, grandparent, or just a helpful aunt or uncle, here’s how you can use your place in their village to foster a love for learning.
1. What are Their Hobbies?
Think of their hobbies, favorite characters, etc. then find books based on them. There are so many children’s books, one Google search will help you find a book for your kid’s current obsession from cars to figure skating to animals.
2. Reading Level is Important
Books that are above their reading level may cause them to lose interest. At the same time, books that aren’t advanced enough won’t challenge them. Help them find books they’re interested in on their reading level.
3. Diversity in Books is Key
Many people lose interest in books when they can’t identify with the characters, and kids are no different. Find books written by Black authors where the main characters look like them. Help them to learn about other cultures, identities, and experiences by introducing them to books written by BIPOC authors telling these stories.
4. Never Use Reading as a Punishment
Do you want to do the activities that you had to do when you were in trouble? It’s the same for kids, if we’re fostering a love for reading then it shouldn’t be something they only do when they’re in trouble or at school.
5. Start Reading with Them Young
Read to them often, encourage loved ones to give books as gifts, when possible. Start putting books in their hands before they can read and let them babble and pretend they’re reading. Begin with books where they can match objects with words and let their reading proficiency grow with them.
6. Build Reading into Their After School Routine
It could be as simply as 10 minutes of reading time as they wind down for bed, or 30 minutes of reading before they get on their devices. Make it a part of their routine so they grow accustomed to reading often outside of school.
7. Let Them See You Reading Too
We all know kids watch our every move. One of the best ways to spark their interest in reading is by showing them that you read too. Find books that you like and join them during their reading routine. Reading can become a great bonding moment for you and your child.
This list isn’t exhaustive, it’s simply two former educators giving tips to help foster a love for reading early in our community. What are tips that you would add?