Help Your Child Become A Better Reader

Readers Are Leaders

There are many ways that parents can help children become better readers.  The most important thing a parent can do is to lead by example.  When children see their parents reading, they will also want to read.  Reading aloud to a child is the single most benefial thing you can do to improve your child's reading skills.

7 Tips For Reading Success

• Read aloud to your child every day.  Be consistent and let your child know that this is something  to look forward to.  GET EXCITED ABOUT READING!   

• Take turns reading aloud.  You read one page, your child reads the next, and so on.

• Ask questions about the story.  Ask about the main characters, the setting and the problem in the story.  Ask your child to predict the outcome of the story.   Ask your child to summarize their favorite stories.

• Be patient and wait while your child tries to sound out new words.  Help pronounce difficult words quickly without interupting the flow of the story. 

• Read books on a variety of reading levels. Choose different genre of literature to share with your child.  You will want to read fiction, biography, poetry, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, etc.  Joke books, comics, newspapers, magazines and maps make good reading too.

• Praise your child often and make reading time a fun time to spend together. 

Take Your Child To The Library

Every parent should take their child to the public libary to check-out books.  Make a big deal out of getting a library card.  Participate in the summer reading programs and special storytimes.   Try to get your child hooked on a special author or series.  Help your child find books on topics that interest them.  Boys love to read about dinosaurs and race cars.  Girls like to read about their favorite TV stars, pets and crafts.

Set Up A Home Library

It is important for children to have their own books at home.  Most schools have book fairs several times a year.  Books can be purchased at garage sales and right here on eBay.  Teach children how to take care of their books.  Books are our friends.  Provide a place in your child's room to store books. 

Turn Off The Television and READ!

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss