Get ready for college reading

By GreatSchools Staff

The college-bound reader: Make sure your student is prepared

What parents can do

You can help your child prepare for college reading by being a good role model, by encouraging him to read and by engaging in discussions about reading material. Here are a few tips:

1. Start now and encourage her to read, read, read.

As your child grows, encourage her to read complex texts, read books on the suggested SAT reading list. Encourage her to spend less time on the phone, on the computer or watching TV, and more time reading. "Take books with you everywhere - in the car, at the doctor's office. Bring along books for yourself and for them," says Suzanne Owen, a California high school English teacher and mother of four.

2. Model good reading habits at home.

Students will learn from what they see their parents doing. Take time to read articles and books together, and discuss what's in them.

3. Spend lots of time in libraries and bookstores.

"Hang out and visit places where books and learning are important. Visit such places on vacations," says Owen. Alice O'Grady, a California high school English teacher and former school librarian, suggests helping your student to learn how to use the library and making sure he is developing good research skills. "Many schools have done away with professional librarians," she notes. "Students should know how to find books that they enjoy - and they can independently search for subjects, keywords or authors they have read before. Empowering them to learn to do simple research will help them when it comes to doing research in college. Several times I have heard or read from college librarians that students come to the university without research or library skills." Students need to learn how to use the Internet properly when doing research and be discerning about what they find. Google is a great tool, but it's only one small step in the research process.

4. Intervene as soon as you think your child may need extra help.

If you find your child is having difficulty, or other students are having difficulty with reading basics, make sure your school is providing support with a program targeted to a child's needs. Check with a teacher or school counselor to see if your school has a learning center or after-school tutoring program. If necessary, get professional help outside of school. The sooner you address the problem, the better.

5. Make sure your student is taking challenging courses.

Your child will be more likely to succeed in college if he is taking classes in high school that demand research, writing and reading. Look for courses that require a lot of independent work outside of class and that use class time to integrate and build on basic understanding of the material.

6. Set standards for homework.

It's not just about getting the assignments done. Ask your child questions like: Did you understand the assignment? How did you decide to approach this topic? Did you have a chance to read over your essay or check your work?

7. Don't be tempted to do the work for your student.

Be there as a guide. The key to college preparation is to allow your student to accept more and more responsibility for his own success.

8. Ask the principal, teachers and school counselor at your school how the classes your student is taking specifically prepare him for college-level work.

What standards are set in each class? Does the teacher share examples of proficient, college-ready work?

9. Advocate at your school for reading instruction at all levels.

Join with other parents and teachers to find ways to strengthen reading instruction in all high school courses by incorporating complex reading materials into course content.