How To Encourage Young Readers
May 19, 2008 Tutoring Articles 2 Comments
One of the first major tests that your child will face in school is learning how to read. Learning how to read rivals even learning basic math as one of the most essential skills a child can develop. The majority of kids who are “left behind” at a young age and made to repeat a grade have to do so because of an inability to grasp basic reading concepts. Simply put, it’s vital that your child learn how to read at a proper pace! With the help of yourself, a tutor, and teachers, your child will be well-equipped to tackle the task of reading. With so much importance being placed on learning how to read, it’s a good idea for us to go over some ways you can help your little reader progress.
Read to Your Child Often
It may seem like reading to your child would have little effect on their own ability to read, but it makes a huge impact! Reading to your child makes your child comfortable with the idea of reading books…therefore, reading to your child is just as important as giving them homework help! It shows them that reading can be fun and helps open the door to thinking of reading as a pleasing experience, not a frustrating one. You can also do things while reading to your child to encourage their learning. You can point at the words as you read them, and even allow them to read a word or two if they are able. By reading as a “team”, your child gets valuable practice without feeling that the pressure is all on them.
Make Reading Fun
Like with any other activity, your child will be much more encouraged to give it their all if you make reading a fun time. When I was a child, I loved to read about my favorite topics, such as dinosaurs, sharks, and sports. Your children will likely be more interested in reading if you get them books about things they love and enjoy. If at all possible, let your child pick out their own books as well. This will help them have a feeling of ownership and make them more likely to want to follow through on reading the books they pick out.
Provide a Good Environment
Reading takes a lot of concentration, especially when you’re still learning the fundamentals. Your child will have a lot more success if they can read without distractions such as loud noises, other kids playing, or the television. If you can have your child read in a comfortable, quiet place, they’ll be able to concentrate much better and will be comfortable and cozy during reading time. It’s also a good idea to have a special place for your child’s books.
These are just a few simple things that parents can do to encourage their little readers to improve. Your child’s teachers and tutors (or tutoring service) will notice the improvement when you take these steps, and so will you! By helping your child embrace the world of reading, you’re getting your child off to a great start and giving them a huge advantage.
