Open a Book, Open a World

The Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) a 14-point drop in reading levels among American 15-year-olds over a three-year period, from 2022 to 2025. Data from 2025 study also showed a 28-point drop in the average reading score for teenagers. Walt Disney once wrote, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island.” Books offer children an opportunity to develop their reading skills and to explore new places, meet unforgettable characters, understand different perspectives, and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Keeping in mind the following suggestions for improving our child’s reading performance:

First, recognize the value of reading.

Books have tremendous value for people of all ages. Author S.I. Hayakawa observed that people who read good literature can experience many lives and perspectives beyond their own. Former Harvard president Charles W. Eliot described books as quiet, constant friends and patient teachers.

Families in Central Florida can make reading part of everyday life. Instead of every family member spending free time on a separate screen, parents and children can occasionally sit together with their own books or read the same book and talk about it afterward. Those conversations can strengthen family relationships while helping children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and critical-thinking skills.

Second, choose books that are appropriate and interesting for your child.

For babies and toddlers, look for books with colorful pictures, simple objects, rhythm, and repetition. Board books and cloth books are particularly useful for young children.

Preschoolers and kindergarteners often enjoy nursery stories, repetitive language, and interactive books with surprises, moving parts or colorful illustrations.

During the early school years, choose books with strong storylines and memorable characters. Look for subjects that interest your child while introducing some appropriately challenging vocabulary.

For older children, follow their interests and personalities. A child who loves animals, sports, science, history, mysteries, or adventure may be more motivated to read when books connect with those interests.

Third, take advantage of Central Florida's public libraries.

Parents do not have to figure everything out on their own. The Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801, is the headquarters and resource center of the Orange County Library System. Its Children’s Library provides dedicated spaces and programs for young readers, including story programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.)" The library website is: https://ocls.org.

Fourth, read with your child and talk about books.

Reading aloud should not stop when children learn to read independently. Parents can continue to read with older children, take turns reading chapters or simply discuss what they are reading.

Author Lucy Calkins has emphasized the importance of reading aloud and talking about books as part of a child's education. Conversations about characters, decisions, problems, and ideas help children think more deeply about what they read while strengthening their speaking and writing skills.

Central Florida parents can make a difference one book, one conversation and one library visit at a time. Schools and educators have an important responsibility, but families are an equally important part of the solution. We could help give the next generation not only stronger reading skills, but also a lifelong appreciation for the worlds that books can open.