A child’s ability to read and comprehend what he or she reads is extremely important. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “How well your child learn to read directly affects not only how successful they are in school, but how well they do throughout their lives.”
When a child reads well, it helps him or her to perform better in school.It also increases the child’s confidence in his or her ability to communicate well. Good readers perform better in school. They are also more likely to graduate from high school and obtain advanced education.
As concerned parents, you want the best for your child. So what can parents do to help? This article shows parents ways to help strengthen their children’s reading skills. You as a parent can make reading a part of a family’s daily routine. Family involvement in reading is widely recognized as a way to improve student performance.
Because of this, here are seven ways you can help your child become a better reader. To improve your child’s reading skills we suggest the following strategies:
Be an Example
Read yourself. Children learn what they see. Your actions really do speak louder than your words. You can show that you value reading by making sure your child sees youreading and enjoying it. When your children see you reading and enjoying it, they will want to follow your example. Be a good role model. Model good habits by reading in front of your child. This is the most important step in encouraging your child’s reading development.
Read to your child
Read to your child often. Research shows that reading out loud to your child is one of the most important things you can do to help your child become a better reader. Reading to your child is also a great bonding activity. Reading to your child is a great way to continue to expand your child’s vocabulary. It is a way for you to introduce new concepts to you child as well. It is a great idea to read to your child above his or her reading level. This also develops your child’s vocabulary as well as get him or her ready to read more advanced books on his or her own.
Have your child read to you
It is very important for your child to read to you daily. Have your child sit down and read to you at a specific time each night. Allow him or her to select his or her favorite book. This will make reading more enjoyable for your child. Read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books. When you read with your child, and talk to him or her about what you read, it will improve your child’s reading comprehension skills.
You child should read every day
Researchers have found that children who spend at least 30 minutes a day reading for fun develop the skills to be better readers at school. You should make reading an important part of each day. This also gives your child the opportunity to practice reading. The more a child practice reading, the better reader he or she will become. Establisha daily reading time for you and your child and read every day.
Visit the library often
Make it a habit to visit the library regularly. Both you and your child should check out books to read that interest you. Ask your child to bring a library book home from school.
Encourage your child to write
Since current research in reading reveals that reading and writing are complementary skills, encourage your child to write. You could have your child write in a journal. Your child could write a report on a book he or she checked out at the library. Have your child help you write a shopping list. Have you child write a letter to a relative.
Provide a variety of books and other reading materials
Give your child books as gifts. Subscribe to magazines for children. Purchase several books when they are on sale. Purchase reading games. Download appropriate e-books, free and paid. Keep a wide variety of reading materials readily available for your child as well as yourself. Keep books and magazines in convenient areas in your house such as the bathroom, next to the television and in your car.
Parents, as you implement each of these strategies, remember you are developing your child’s reading skills and establishing a life-long love of reading in his or her life. When families can show a commitment to reading, everybody benefits.
