Raising Strong Readers: Simple Ways Families Can Help at Home

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” — Victor Hugo

Reading is a superpower. It fuels imagination, builds confidence and opens doors to every subject children will study in school. Yet too many young Oklahomans aren’t gaining that superpower. Recent statewide test results show that nearly three in four Oklahoma students are not reading proficiently (OCPA, 2025).

The good news is that parents, grandparents and caregivers have tremendous influence. They are a child’s first teacher, and supporting learning doesn’t require a teaching certificate. Moreover, families can shape emotional and intellectual development, attitudes toward learning and life skills. A few simple routines, and the incredible reading resources available across Tulsa, can make all the difference. Most importantly, reading together at home is one of the best ways to bond with children and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Let Kids Choose What They Love

Choice is rocket fuel for motivation. Whether your child loves dinosaurs or dolls, they are more inclined to read when they can choose topics they are interested in. All reading counts, including comics, catalogues and cookbooks. Audiobooks count, too, and can turn car rides into great learning fun.

Make Reading Part of the Daily Rhythm

Kids thrive on routines. Short reading times can happen anytime during the day. Books can be scattered throughout your home and in the car, so reading becomes the easy, natural choice. Consistency matters more than perfection. Five minutes today is better than waiting for the perfect thirty minutes tomorrow.

Read Aloud at Every Age

Reading aloud is great for any age and gives kids access to richer vocabulary and language patterns. An expressive voice and inviting conversation with questions such as “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did she make that choice?” can create interest.

Tap into Tulsa’s Reading Treasures

Tulsa families are surrounded by extraordinary literacy resources. Examples of these resources include:

Tulsa City-County Library
Our library system is one of the best in the nation, offering storytimes, homework help, curated reading lists and the beloved Summer Reading Program. The Central Library’s children’s area is a destination in itself. Visiting regular library branches can become a fun family ritual.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
For children under five, this free program mails a high-quality book to your home each month until kindergarten. It’s one of the simplest ways to build a home library and a reading habit from birth.

Local Bookstores & Community Events
Magic City Books and other Tulsa shops regularly host author visits, story hours and lively children’s sections that invite kids to explore their interests. A downtown visit can be paired with hot chocolate with plenty of time to browse. Across the city, schools, churches and community centers also hold book fairs and book swaps; these are wonderful chances for kids to “own” their reading choices and discover new favorites.

Make Reading Social

Reading doesn’t have to be a quiet, solo activity. A weekly family reading night where everyone reads their own book in the same room for twenty minutes can support family connections. Families can start a parent-child book club with one other family, and they can encourage kids to read aloud to pets (real or stuffed), building fluency without pressure. Grandparents or faraway relatives can do weekly read-alouds over video chat. When reading strengthens relationships, kids remember the joy long after the book is finished.

Connect Books to Real Life

Kids need to know that reading is more than an assignment; it’s a tool for exploring the world. After a trip to Gathering Place or Discovery Lab, kids can read books about nature, science or animals you saw. Love cooking shows? Read recipes together and then try them. A sports-obsessed child might enjoy player biographies, game recaps or stats charts. When books tie into their real lives, kids choose reading more often.

Keep Pressure Low and Joy High

If reading has become a battle, step back. Switch from quizzes to conversation, try a new genre or curl up in a cozy spot and read together. Let kids abandon books that aren’t a good fit; book lovers of all ages do this. Celebrate progress with experiences (a library trip, a picnic-and-pages date) rather than prizes that add pressure. And most importantly, let your kids see you reading. Children mimic what adults model. If your child sees you reading, they will want to read, too!

A Final Word of Encouragement

“First you learn to read, then you read to learn.” That simple truth sits at the heart of every child’s journey. Raising strong readers is about doing a few small things consistently, with love. Tulsa is a community filled with storytellers, librarians, teachers and neighbors ready to support families.

With a book in your bag and a habit in your home, you can spark a lifetime of learning!

References

Oklahoma Council for Public Affairs (OCPA) (2025). New test results expose deep reading crisis in Oklahoma Schools. Available from ocpathink.org/post/independent-journalism/new-test-results-expose-deep-reading-crisis-in-oklahoma-classrooms