Reading Strategies for Parents

How can I help my child?

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. When you help your child learn to read, you are opening the door to a world of books and learning.

Reading aloud to children is the best way to get them interested in reading. Reading can be a family activity. Spending time with word games, stories, and books will help your child to:

 -Learn how stories and books work – that they have beginnings, endings, characters, and themes as well as building a rich vocabulary

-Learn how to listen and how to think and fall in love with books, the sounds of language and language patterns

It’s natural to want to compare your child’s reading abilities with those of other children of the same age, but not all children develop reading skills at the same pace. What’s important is that you are aware of your child’s reading level so that you can choose books and activities that will help him or her improve. Use the tips in this guide and work with your child’s teacher and others to improve your child’s reading skills.

What tips can I use to help my child learn to read?

Tip 1 –  Talk to Your Child

Oral language is the foundation for reading. Listening and speaking are a child’s first introduction to language. Talking and singing teach your child the sounds of language, making it easier for him or her to learn how to read.

Here are some things you can do to help your child build an appreciation for words and language:

•     Talk to your child as much as possible about things you are doing and thinking. Ask your child lots of questions.

•     Encourage your child to tell you what he or she thinks or feels.

•     Ask your child to tell you about his or her day – about activities and games played.

•     Sing songs, such as the alphabet song, and recite nursery rhymes, encouraging your child to join in. Play rhyming and riddle games.

Tip 2 –  Make Reading Fun

Reading aloud can be a lot of fun, not just for parents but for all family members. Here are some ways to get the most out of reading to your young child:

•     Read with drama and excitement! Use different voices for different characters in the story. Use your child’s name instead of a character’s name.

•     Re-read your child’s favorite stories as many times as your child wants to hear them, and choose books and authors that your child enjoys.

•     Read stories that have repetitive parts and encourage your child to join in.

•     Take your child to the library and look at interactive CD-ROMs and the Internet, as well as books. Encourage relatives and friends to give your child books as gifts.

Tip 3 –  Read Every Day

Children love routine, and reading is something that you and your child can look forward to every day. By taking the time to read with your child, you show him or her that reading is important and fun to do.

Try to read with your child as often as possible. It’s the best thing you can do to help him or her learn at school! It also allows you to spend time together in an enjoyable way and to build a strong and healthy relationship.

•     Set aside a special time each day when you can give your full attention to reading with your child. When you and your child are away from home, take along books, magazines, and books-on-tape for your child to read and listen to.

•     Choose a comfortable spot to read, where you can be close to your child. Make it your "reading place"! Set aside a special shelf in that area for your child’s books. Choose a variety of books.

•     Vary the length of reading time according to your child’s age and interests. For young children, several short sessions (of 10 minutes each) may be best. Praise your child for his or her ideas and participation!

•     Keep reading to your child even after he or she has learned to read. By reading stories that will interest your child but that are above his or her reading level, you can stretch your child’s understanding and keep alive the magic of shared reading.

Tip 4 –  Set an Example

As a parent, you are your child's most important role model. If your child sees you reading, especially for pleasure or information, he or she will understand that reading is a worthwhile activity.

Tip 5 –  Talk About Books

Talking about the books you read is just as important as reading them. Discussing a story or a book with your child helps your child understand it and connect it to his or her own experience of life. It also helps enrich your child's vocabulary with new words and phrases.

Here are some ways to help your child acquire skills in comprehension, reasoning, and critical thinking:

•      Ask your child about the kinds of books he or she would like to read.

•     Talk to your child about your favorite books from childhood, and offer to read them.

•     Encourage your child to ask questions and to comment on the story and pictures in a book – before, during, and after reading it.

•     Look at the cover and the title of a book with your child, and ask your child what he or she thinks might happen in the story.

•     Encourage your child to think critically about the story. Does he or she agree or disagree with the author? Why?

Tip 6 –  Listen to your child read

As your child learns to read, listen to him or her read aloud. Reading to you gives your child a chance to practice and to improve his or her reading skills.

As you listen to your child, remember that your reactions are important. Above all, listen without interrupting. Be enthusiastic and praise your child as often as you can. If possible, be specific with your praise so that your child knows what he or she is doing well.

•     Show your child that you are enjoying the story by indicating interest and by asking questions.

•     Give your child time to figure out tricky words, and show your child how he or she can learn from mistakes.

•     Try to have your child read aloud to you at times when there will be no interruptions.

•     Make sure that your child selects books that aren’t too difficult. Don’t worry if the books your child chooses are a little easier than the ones he or she reads at school.

•     Encourage your child to "listen" to his or her own reading. Listening will help him or her hear mistakes and try to fix them.

•    Take turns reading with your child, especially if he or she is just beginning to read, or try reading together.

•     Talk about a story after your child has read it, to make sure that he or she understands it.

Tip 7 –  Show that you value your child's efforts

Remember, your child needs to know that you value his or her efforts. Children learn to read over time, with lots of practice and support from parents and teachers.

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