Helping your child enjoy reading

Each day, hundreds of children go to school and are unable to participate in classes because they simply can't read well.  As a parent, you can help your child become a better reader.  By implementing a few simply strategies to improve reading ability, you can help your child soar to the front of the class.

I had occasion recently to discover just how fortunate I am that my son is an excellent reader.  I also know from experience that my child seems to be the exception more than the rule.  Schools are constantly reflecting about how difficult reading comprehension and writing are for children.  Hopefully, by implementing a few of these strategies, you can help your child become a better reader.

1. Read daily:  Set aside time every day to read to or with your child.  Make sure this is a priority and not something that is likely to be taken off the schedule when things get busy.  Reading is like any other skill—frequent practice is necessary in order to reach mastery.

2. Let your child do the reading:  It’s difficult to sit patiently and listen while your child stumbles through what seem like endless sentences, paragraphs, and pages.  It is also difficult to watch your child get frustrated with a task and not step in to help.  But your child needs to be able to practice on his own if he is going to really learn to read.  Certainly read to him when he’s just too tired to keep going; but first, give him the time to stretch his limits.

Another great strategy we employ at our house is letting the older kids read bedtime stories to their younger siblings.  (Some nights are still reserved for Mommy or Daddy time.)  Usually the younger child’s books are below the older child’s reading ability, which allows him to build the confidence he needs to tackle more difficult literature.  It’s also a great way for siblings who are often at odds with each other to spend some peaceful and special time together.

3. Ask questions:  One of the most important skills for students to succeed academically is the ability to truly comprehend what they read.  Don’t be afraid to stop sometimes in the middle of a story and check to see if your child understands what is happening.  Inquiries that require them to explore aspects of writing, not just plot points, are extremely effective (Do you think it was a good idea for Jack and Annie to stop and check the book?  Why do you think Despereaux is so afraid right now?)  Another effective strategy is to try to make them predict what will happen next.  This not only demonstrates their ability to comprehend what they read, but also to relate to a text.  Have your students retell the story to you when they have completed the reading.  Anything you can do that helps your child really think about and try to recall what they’ve read will help build their comprehension abilities.

4. Model the behavior:  If you aren’t a reader, it isn’t likely that your child is going to see the value in learning to read well.  As they get older, kids have an increasing need to understand the relevance of what they are learning.  Even if you just pick up a magazine or newspaper while they read from their own books, it sets an example for them that reading is important, no matter how old they are.  Find examples of reading in every day life and point them out to your child.

5. Make it fun:  Santa and the Easter Bunny always bring books as gifts for my kids.  Books are also a frequent reward in our house.  Trips to the bookstore are outings, and everyone gets involved in picking out their own special books.  We also pick out books to give to other people for special occasions.  Create a corner of your child’s room or a play area that will be designated as a reading area.  Get a bean bag or other comfortable chair, if you can a small table or bookshelf and a lamp, and make it a special spot in the room.  Enter bookmark drawing contests at the local library, participate in a major bookstore's summer reading initiative.  Anything you can do to make reading more novel and fun will encourage your child to read even more.

6. Talk to your child’s teacher:  Because of the large numbers of students who struggle with reading, many teachers are obtaining master’s degrees in reading and reading instruction.  Your child’s school probably has someone on campus who specializes in literacy support.  No matter what your child’s reading level may be, talk to these individuals and get some strategies to motivate your child and to make reading more interesting for them.  It never hurts to consult the pros.

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