Learn how you can help your child learn reading skills. Visiting the library and follow the advice in this article!
Reading is a fundamental part of your child's education. And, while the schools teach this important subject, you can do your part as a concerned parent to help your child achieve a higher level of reading success.
The ideal time to start reading is when your child is old enough to sit quietly with you and listen to you read. Depending on the maturity level of your child, when he or she reaches three years of age, it should be time to start. Point at each word as you read it and try to encourage your child to follow along. THis might not be an easy task, as a child's attention span tends to be rather short, but don't give up. It will be well worth the effort in the end.
Read to your child throughout the day or whenever time allows. Don't just read to your child at bedtime. He or she needs as much exposure to books and reading as possible. If you work outside of the home, ask the babysitter to read to your child as much as possible throughout the time the babysitter is there.
When you read to your child, be sure to include him or her in the process as much as possible by letting them at least turn the pages of the book. Also, point out the words and the pictures. Depending on your child's age, ask your child questions about the pictures he or she sees. If your child is old enough to have developed an adequate level of reading comprehension, ask your child simple questions about the story to test them.
Take your child with you and choose books from the bookstore that he or she shows an interest in. Find a book that your child will want to read again and again as maintaining their interest is an essential part of the process. But, don't forget to gently perusade your child to have an interest in other books as well. Having a favorite book is fine, but reading the same book and memorizing the words is not the same as actually learning to read. Be a good teacher and don't let your child fool themselves into thinking they are reading when they are not.
Also, take your child to your local public library on a regular basis and help him or her choose some books that are appropriate for his or her age group. Depending on how fast the books are read, you should visit the library every two weeks or so. Don't try to rush your child through each book, though.
Start them in early and help them understand that library books are just borrowed and need to be respected and taken care of, and, returned on time. When they are old enough, sign your child up to get his or her own library card. This will help instill a sense of responsibility as well as an interest of reading in your child.
As your child begins to learn how to read at school, and his or her reading level advances, don't forget to help your child advance his or her selection of books to read. Encourage your child to read to you instead of you always reading to them. Help them with words they cannot pronounce. Also help them with word meanings they don't understand.
Your child will always remember the reading sessions and the time you spent one-on-one with them. They will appreciate the help you gave them to learn something as important as reading, too. And you will feel proud in knowing you helped them achieve their level of success!
