Studies have demonstrated that students who are assigned to smaller classes in grades K-3rd do better in every way that can be measured: they score higher on tests, receive better grades, and exhibit improved attendance. A recent Department of Education evaluation revealed that students who were in smaller classes in Kindergarten had higher earnings in adulthood, as well as a greater likelihood of attending college and having a 410K retirement plan. In fact, according to this study, the only two “observable” classroom factors that led to better outcomes were being placed in a small class and having an experienced teacher.

What are the best ways to ensure that your child becomes a good reader? What if you find that your elementary-aged child isn’t very interested in reading? Studies have shown that the primary indicator of your child’s reading success is the number of hours that you spend reading aloud to him or her. This should not end when your child begins to read independently; children’s reading skills continue to develop into the middle school years, and parents can help their child improve reading skills by performing the simple and enjoyable ritual of reading aloud each night. There are many other ways you can encourage your child to become a better reader, and it’s never too late to get started with any of these tips.

1. Set aside time for reading every day. This can include your time to read aloud to your child. For older children, take turns reading chapters or pages, depending on skill level. Establish family reading time when everyone reads something. If you designate a reading time, you will encounter less resistance as it becomes a habit. By making it a family activity, you are also modeling the value you place on reading.

2. Make reading fun. Use time in the car to listen to audio books. Go to the local library and check out books together. Or go see a local stage production based on one of your child’s favorite books. Visit local bookstores when authors come to read and share their books. These fun activities reinforce the idea that reading is enjoyable!

3. Provide a variety of reading materials. In addition to audio books, try books with CD’s, pop-up books, non-fiction books, magazines, and other types of reading material for your child. Rotate the books and put them in baskets around the house. Have your child help you read from cookbooks, road signs, maps, and weather reports.

4. Don’t use reading as a consequence; use it as a reward. Instead of saying your child needs to read for 20 minutes to get to watch a television program, try saying, “You did such a great job listening to directions today. You and I are going to have EXTRA reading time today! Isn’t that exciting?”

5. Partner with your child’s teacher. Ask your teacher how you can reinforce what is being done in the classroom. Give the teacher insight into how your child approaches reading at home. Work together to make sure that your child is on the right track. Don’t give up if you find some roadblocks along the way! It’s never too late to step in and help your child when it’s needed.

Remember, your child’s first chance to become a great reader is YOU. Next to you, your child’s school is a tremendous influence. Does your child’s school put the proper emphasis on reading great literature? What programs are in place if your child is having trouble? Does your school have high quality parent/teacher communication that helps foster a true partnership in your child’s reading success?

Many Westminster parents may have asked this question and received a similarly frank response from their child, wryly commenting to themselves, “Well, I’m glad that tuition check is being so well spent.” Actually, it is.  The American Academy of Pediatrics, First Lady Michelle Obama, teachers, and educational researchers overwhelmingly agree:  outdoor free play is crucial to children’s development and provides many benefits, including improvements in academic achievement and attitude toward school.

In other words, recess (or break, as we call it at Westminster) is an essential part of a well-rounded educational program, and Westminster continues to safeguard this important part of your elementary child(ren)’s school day.  Unfortunately, out of concern about student achievement, many American schools have reduced or eliminated recess so that students can have more time in the classroom.  This contradicts research showing that physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, supporting attentiveness, memory, and creativity, which are essential to learning. Vigorous play also releases hormones that can improve mood and reduce stress, which also benefit learning.

In addition to reducing recess time for all students, many schools use denial of recess as a  disciplinary tactic.  This is a real shame, because—as common sense tells us and research consistently shows—when children have the opportunity to “blow off a little steam” during recess, they are better able to  concentrate on learning and behave appropriately in the classroom.

By contrast, Westminster School policy prohibits taking away recess for misbehavior in school, or even for making up missed work or receiving extra academic help.  Those situations are handled in ways suitable to each, without depriving the child of the fresh air, exercise, and socialization that s/he needs.  It’s important to remember that recess is valuable even when children aren’t running, jumping, and climbing or playing active games.   Daydreaming on a swing, imaginative play acting, or simply chatting with friends are also great ways for boys and girls to relax from the demands of the school day, explore their inner selves, develop friendships, and hone important social skills. During recess, children are free to choose their own activities, organize games, decide what’s fair, and solve problems, all while learning to negotiate with peers.

Of course, careful adult supervision is a crucial part of recess, too.  Westminster teachers are on alert to prevent accidents, re-direct misguided exchanges among the children, and generally observe and encourage the students to enjoy their break time with their friends.

Add 40 minutes of P.E. to the daily 40 minutes of recess that Westminster students enjoy, and you’re well over the hour a day of exercise called for by Mrs. Obama in her “Let’s Get Moving!” campaign.  This is a powerful tool in fighting childhood obesity and setting children up for a healthy, active lifestyle.  So, the next time your child says that break was his favorite part of the day, be glad.  It means the rest of his day probably went a little bit better, too.