How to Use Games to Teach Reading
Of all the skills children learn in school, reading is the most important. With good reading skills, students can master nearly every subject in their curriculum. Although some children learn to read very easily, some struggle with the basics. If your child is having difficulty learning to read, you can help him play simple games to practice his reading skills.
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Instructions
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Games for Learning Sounds
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Teach your child the alliteration game; make up sentences using words that all begin with the same sound. True sentences should use the same consonant for all words, and false sentences should include some words that begin with the same sound, but a different letter. Have your child repeat each sentence and tell you if it is true or false.
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Create simple rhymes to teach end sounds. Begin a rhyming phrase, but leave out the final rhyming word. Your child should then supply a word that completes the rhyme.
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Dictate a drawing (this games is good for two or more children.) Sit where the children can hear you, but not see your drawing. Give specific directions while you draw a simple design and have the children recreate it. Compare drawings.
Games for Learning Words
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Go on a word hunt. Before taking your child to the grocery store, write the names of two of her favorite treats on a sheet of paper. Have your child explore the store (with your supervision) looking for her words. Keep a tally of how many times she can find each word, whichever word gets more tallies, is the one she will win.
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Make charade cards. Write the names of ten animals on ten index cards. Have your child read the name and act out the animal's behavior. As his reading improves, add sports words and actions to the deck.
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Label items around the house, to help your child learn the spelling of these words. Start by writing the names of objects in your kitchen on index cards and tape them to the appropriate items. Have your child read the labels when she is helping you in the kitchen, gradually add labels to more items throughout the house.
Games for Increasing Understanding
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Tell a story. Have your child list three words from the story--any words will do. Using these words, make up a short story, then switch roles with your child. Think of the words and have your child make up the story. Include an unknown word with your starter words, define it, use it in a sentences, and have your child include it in his story.
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Host a treasure hunt. Write clues on slips of paper and have your child read them to you. Make sure she understands what she's reading before she runs to find the next clue.
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Clip comics. Cut your child's favorite comics out of the Sunday paper. Cut the frames apart and shuffle them. Then have your child read the frames and put them back in their original order.
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Tips & Warnings
Play these games frequently for short periods of time. Stop when your child starts to get bored and play again another day.
