How can I help my child to learn to read?
Author: K5 Learning
We all know parents are their children’s first and most important teacher. But how do you ensure that you are teaching your child at the right level and not pushing them too far beyond their skill level? In order to know where to start, you need to know where your child is at in terms of readiness for reading. Let’s take you through the stages of reading.
The Pre-Reader
Does your child like to look at books and be read to? Does he like to behave like a reader – pretending to read the books? Then he’s a ‘pre-reader’. At this stage, your young reader learns about words by looking at picture books, learns how text works – where a story start and finishes and uses pictures and memory to retell a story.
Reading does not come naturally, so parents should focus on encouraging their kids to make reading a part of their daily lives from early on – age two to three. At this age, making time for reading is very much prompted by the parent and it shouldn’t be difficult to get young kids involved as they love spending one-on-one time with a parent.
Reading aloud to children is the best way to get them interested in reading. Pay attention to the different characters and make the reading experience fun by using drama and different voices for each one. In some stories, you may consider including your child as part of the story by using their name instead of that of the hero.
Read slowly so that your child can form a mental picture of what is happening in the story.
At this age repetition is good, maybe not so much for you, but it is for your child. Let them pick and have you read their favourite book over and over again. And it goes without saying, keep choosing books and authors that your child enjoys.
It doesn’t stop there. Your child is learning their language, so expand your activities to include singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes and playing riddle games. Encourage your child to join in.
Finally, keep the sessions short at around 10 minutes. Children this age don’t have a lot of staying power. Rather break up your planned reading activities into several short sessions.
The Emerging Reader
Is your child starting to match written words with spoken words? Is she willing to try to say words out loud when reading simple texts? Then she’s an ‘emerging reader’. At this stage, she understands that the text tells a story and she’s ready to receive instructions about reading.
For the emerging reader, parents should focus on starting to learn words. Read stories that have repetitive parts and encourage your child to join in. Point to words as you read them. This will help your child make a connection between the word he hears and the one on the page.
This is a time to start opening up the realm of reading possibilities. Read all kinds of materials, be they stories, poems, fact books, magazines, recipes, newspapers or comics.
Encourage him to ask questions and to comment on the stories throughout the reading. Make sure they participate in the story and praise him for his ideas and comments. Think out loud about the story as you read, and encourage him to do the same. Give him time to think about the story, and then ask him about it again a few days later.
The Early Reader
Does your child recognize many words and is showing willingness to try new texts? You have an ‘early reader’. At this stage, your child develops more confidence in his ability to decipher words and he’ll use a variety of methods, such as relying on visual cues, to identify words in texts.
For the early reader, parents should focus on sharing the reading experience. Pick a time when there will be no interruptions. Take turns reading with your child, especially if she is just beginning to read, or try reading together. 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 she knows what she is doing well.
Continue to expose your child to new reading opportunities. Visit the library, read digital books on the Internet, subscribe to a magazine – she will love receiving mail.
This is a time when your young reader’s comprehension of stories develops. Look at the cover and the title of a book and ask him what he thinks might happen in the story. Encourage your child to think about what may come next and to think critically about the story.
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 she reads at school.
The Fluent Reader
Does your child pick up a book on his own? Does he read various kinds of texts and can predict events in a story? Your child is a fluent reader? At this stage, your child thinks of reading as a good thing and can relate the meaning of books to his own experiences and knowledge.
For the fluent reader, parents should focus on continuing to encourage them to read regularly and to keep reading to your child. 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 the magic of shared reading alive.
Make sure your fluent reader continues to have plenty of reading materials available to them. It doesn’t have to be expensive – the least expensive of which are libraries and free online sources. Just make sure you continue to make reading a regular activity in your home.
Let them continue to read about their interests, but keep an eye out for slightly more challenging reading. If, for example, she can read the early reader books easily, perhaps it’s time to introduce her to simple chapter books?
Give it Time
It takes time to pass through each of these stages. Your child will need plenty of attention and support as he moves through them. You are instrumental in leading the opportunities and time your child put into acquiring reading skills.
Keep to a Routine
Children love routine. Setting aside a special time each day when you can give full attention to reading with your child will only help to solidify that reading habit. Remember, that time may change through the stages. It may start with bedtime stories, but as your reader grows and starts to read themselves, you may want to pick a time of day when she is more alert and open to reading. The most important thing is to set a time of day when your child can expect to be reading and sticking to that time.
Don’t Compare your Child to His Peers
It’s natural to want to compare your child’s reading abilities with those of other children of the same age. Children do not 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 her improve. Most important of all, enjoy the reading moments, you’ll look back on them as special memories.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/how-can-i-help-my-child-to-learn-to-read-5367564.html
About the Author
K5 Learning is an online after-school study program for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Watch your children master reading and math as they work at their own level and their own pace through a personalized program of over 3,000 interactive multimedia tutorials and activities. Visit us at www.k5learning.com