If you guys have been around the blog for a bit you probably know that I really love reading with my kids. (Read this and this) It is such a special time together and so incredibly important. (I wrote a blog post about the importance of reading together here.) But what I love even more than reading to my kids is when they start to read to me! It is so cool to watch them learn sight words and work hard to sound out unfamiliar words. And seeing them go from recognizing letters and their sounds to reading actual words is so incredible! Today, I am sharing with you some of our favorite books for Kindergarten and a couple of tips to get your children reading to you.
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BOOKS FOR KINDERGARTEN
Level 1 Books
Level one books are generally for ages 3 -6. These books have shorter sentences and contain familiar words. This level is perfect for children who are just starting to learn how to read on their own.
Bob Books Kindergarten Sight Words I loved these books for preschool through the beginning of Kindergarten when Noah was learning sight words. This set of 10 books introduces 30 of the most common sight words. Reading these books helped Noah gain confidence and encouraged him to read more. This set is perfect for super new readers.
Pete the Cat’s Super Cool Reading Collection
The Pigeon Series: These books bring back such fun memories of when Connor was a toddler.
Level 2 Books
Level two books are recommended for ages 4 to 8. The text in this level is a little more challenging and the sentences are a little longer. So these are best for readers who are getting more confident in their reading ability but still need a little help.
A Pig, a Fox, and Stinky Socks
Guided Science Readers Level A
Guided Science Readers Level B
Guided Science Readers Level C
Read Together & Chapter Books
These books are awesome for you to read to your child. Don’t expect your 5 or 6-year-old to be able to read these by themselves, yet.
Magic Tree House This was the first chapter book series that Connor started reading on his own. I am excited to start these with Noah!
Stink: The Super-Incredible Collection
Ballpark Mysteries: The Dugout Boxed Set Noah got this set for Christmas and we have really enjoyed it so far. I do most of the reading but Noah does pick out sight words and tries to sound out easier words. I’m sure he will be reading these to me by the end of Kindergarten.
If your child is reluctant to read or having a hard time reading, don’t stress! The last thing you want to do is force reading as you will risk making your child dislike it even more. Don’t worry, though! There are a few easy things you can do to help encourage your child to want to read.
- Set a good example for them by reading yourself. When your child sees you reading it shows them that reading can be for fun and not just something that is required for school.
- Take them to the library. Let them look at lots of books and check out books that seem interesting to them. Find a series or character they like and rotate through those books. When Noah was in his first year of preschool he didn’t want to read more than at bedtime. We discovered Biscuit books at the library and he was much more excited to read throughout the day. Now we own every. single. Biscuit book! But hey, whatever it takes!
- Have them read something other than a book. Try reading magazines. Or the menu at a restaurant or signs they see as you are driving to school. Now that Noah knows several sight words and can sound out words he doesn’t know, he loooooves to read the signs that we pass as we drive.
If you are still concerned about your child’s interest in reading or ability to read, reach out for help. Check with your child’s teacher or pediatrician for some guidance.
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Photos: Megan Higgins Photography
I loved to read as a kid! At this age my favorites were the Junie B. Jones series and the ones about Frog and Toad.
I love this. My oldest just turned 3 and we are trying to read more with him. He does like Pete the Cat. He also loves books about vehicles with a sentence or two on each page.