How to Improve Your Child's Reading Skills
1. Establish Family Reading Time
Because some children do not find reading enjoyable, parents must work extra hard to encourage reading. One way this can be accomplished is by establishing a family reading time. Each day, set aside 10 - 20 minutes in the evening and devote this time to silent reading. Parents may choose to read the newspaper or magazine, while children take pleasure in a book. When a routine is started early, children will find reading enjoyable and regard it as less of a chore
2. Read Out Loud to Your Children
Reading out loud has several proven advantages. For starters, it helps improve your child's reading comprehension and vocabulary. If your child takes note of you reading, they may develop a desire to read. Read them a story before bedtime. Stay-at-home moms may incorporate reading into the daily schedule by establishing circle time, in which each child picks a story to be read out loud. Encourage active participation and have the story read by the older children.
3. Make Reading a Game
If your child's reading comprehension needs improvement, make reading an aspect of everyday life. Ask children to read signs in retail stores, advertisements, or street signs. Further, keep reading materials in the car. Children can enjoy a book on the ride to school in the mornings, or while running errands. Make use of vocabulary or spelling books. Tutor your child at home, and give them fun quizzes.
4. Go to the Library
Good reading skills must be developed. For this matter, parents have to take a proactive approach. Take your children to the library and encourage them to check out a few books. Establish a reading schedule to ensure that all books are read before the due date. With so many distractions such as television, the Internet, and video games, children are spending less time reading. Trips to the library will help you child value the importance of reading, and can stimulate the desire to read.
5. Recognize Potential Reading Problems
Identifying possible reading comprehension problems is critical to a child's success. Due to overcrowded classrooms, many teachers do not recognize early signs of a reading problem. Thus, parents must spot trouble areas. Closely observe your child and make sure they are able to sound out words, recognize sight words, and understand words being read. Don't deny the problem. Your child can become a better reader with early intervention.
