4 Proven Methods That Will Help Your Child Improve Reading Skills
For some kids, learning to read can be a seemingly insurmountable task.
For some kids, learning to read can be a seemingly insurmountable task. For others, it can come as naturally as breathing. But for those kids who struggle, what can help? Some educators and parents suggest various strategies, including teaching kids phonics or using reading software. But whatever method is used, one thing is clear: Reading is an essential life skill that every child should learn.
Make it enjoyable.
Reading is essential for a child's development, but can be a tedious task. To keep your child engaged in reading, make the process fun by incorporating some of these ideas into your home routine. If you want your child to read more, make reading fun.
Set a good example and read aloud to your child every night.
Encourage your child to read for fun using interesting books, magazines, or articles.
Create a reading corner at home where your child can relax with a good book.
Let them choose their own book. This way, they're more likely to stick with it and learn from it.
Get them creative with their reading activities. Once your child has finished a book have them relay what they learned in a fun way for them, if they enjoy drawing have them draw you a picture. If they enjoy making videos, have them do that to show you their favorite part of the story.
Create expectations for reading.
As a parent, you play an important role in your child's reading development. You can set the stage for a lifelong love of reading by establishing high expectations and setting boundaries around reading.
Make it clear that reading is important and expected in your home. Talk about the things you are reading, and how much you enjoy it. Let your child see you read for pleasure, and model positive attitudes about reading.
Set some boundaries around reading, such as required minutes or hours per day. Make sure your child has access to books that are appropriate for their age and reading level and those that they enjoy. Provide opportunities for them to read aloud to you, and praise their efforts.
With high expectations and boundaries in place, you can help increase your child's reading level and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Maintain a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.
Establishing a good relationship with your child's teacher is important to ensure that they have the resources they need to help increase your child's reading level. Often times your child’s teacher can tell you your child’s reading level and the specific skills that they need to work on.
It is important to be open to what your child’s teacher has to say. Often times parents may want to protect their child and not hear the truth about your child’s deficiencies. But it is important to have an open mind so that you can gain all of the information that you need in order to move your child forward.
Your child’s teacher can give you resources or access to resources that they use in the classroom, if they can’t give you the exact resources they can point you in the direction of free resources that you can use at home to help you develop your child’s reading skills at home. This will help you better understand what your child is learning in school and how you can continue that learning at home.
Research a variety of resources to help your child.
It can be tough to help your child increase their reading level. But don't worry, there are plenty of resources available to give you a hand. The best part is that many of them are free or low-cost.
One great option is the library. Most libraries have a children's section with books at all different reading levels. They also often have programs and activities for kids that focus on reading and literacy.
Another great option is to find online resources specifically for helping kids with reading. These websites often offer free materials, like worksheets and games, to help kids improve their skills. They also sometimes have paid programs that can provide more in-depth instruction.
Taking the time to work with your child on their reading skills is important. It is important to take this on as soon as you notice that there is an issue. The early that you intervene the better chance your child will have at moving forward so that they can be a successful reader.