Reading With Your Child

"The more you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

- Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind when reading with your child...
 
*Know that you are your child's first teacher. You have a very important role in your child's education!!
 
*Ask your child about what s/he is reading. Ask more than a "yes" or "no" question. Ask about characters, where the story takes place, what s/he likes or doesn't like about the story. Remember, children don't have to love every book they read!
 
*Read Nursery Rhymes to your children. Learning the rhythm and rhyme of our language is very important!! Singing also works!
 
*Draw pictures with your child and discuss what they are about.
 
*Listen to your child read. Be sure that the book is at an appropriate level. A "Just Right" book is one that your child can read easily. More than 5 mistakes that affect meaning on a page is too hard.
 
*As you read aloud, make mistakes and discuss how to solve them with your child.
 
*Purchase books on tape or cd for your child to listen and read along with. Rereading a familiar story helps increase reading fluency.