At Poudre Libraries, we hear from many parents and caregivers seeking early literacy resources and activities to help teach their babies, toddlers, and young children important language and reading skills. Once a child enters elementary school, the work isn’t over. In fact, attention to building literacy skills becomes even more important as kids approach third grade.
Third grade is considered a crucial milestone in a student’s reading development by educators. Through third grade, children are learning to read; after third grade, students are reading to learn.
Many recent studies have shown a large drop in reading – and enjoyment of reading – between ages 8 and 9. This, at a time when reading development is crucial to future learning.
A Scholastic report states that the percentage of kids defined as “frequent readers” (reading books for fun 5-7 days a week) dropped from 57% among 8-year-olds to 35% among 9-year-olds. The number of kids who say they love reading drops significantly from 40% among 8-year-olds to 28% among 9-year-olds.
Since reading frequency and a child’s attitude toward reading for fun are both predictors of reading success, this “decline by nine” is striking.
So, how do we help kids keep their connection to books and reading?
1) Build a love of books from birth.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun and free program puts young children on the path to early literacy success and supports school readiness. It’s an easy way to get your child ready to learn and read by sharing books together. More information and sign up at PoudreLibraries.org/reading-challenges.
2) Let kids choose their own books.
Start by getting great book recommendations at the library. Then, it’s important that kids choose the books they want to read, in whatever format they want to read it in. When kids choose the book, they read the book! Even if you’re not a fan of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, if your child likes it, they will read.
3) Be a reading role model.
When children see the adults and family members in their life reading, they are more likely to read. Show your kids that you value reading and build a strong culture of literacy in your home. And, it doesn’t take much time…
4) Set aside 15-20 minutes each day to read (outside of school).
That’s all it takes to promote a love of reading in children and continue to develop strong reading skills. Reading frequency (and consistency) is what you’re after – there is a strong relationship between volume of reading (time, pages, etc.) and achievement.
5) Surround children with books.
Access to books and other reading materials is important! But, you don’t need to own a huge home library to fill your child’s space with books. The public library is the go-to resource for reading materials that can be continually replenished and which satisfy your child’s ever-changing interests.
6) Get your child their own library card.
Having their own library card means your child gains an event greater sense of belonging at the library. A library card can bring a sense of pride and excitement, teach important life skills like responsibility, and foster reading independence. Stop by any Poudre Library location to sign up or visit PoudreLibraries.org/library-cards to learn more.
7) Sign up for the 2026 Summer Adventure: Unearth a Story.
Reading is fun during Poudre Libraries’ summer reading and learning program, especially because we encourage children to choose their own books and share what they’re reading with family. Plus, we have some pretty great prizes to encourage lots of time spent reading. This year’s program, Unearth a Story, features dinosaurs, paleontology, and archeology-themed activities and learning fun for all ages, all summer long. Pre-registration begins May 4.
