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Step 1
Big Books are a valuable tool in teaching reading to early elementary children. Most public libraries have an assortment of Big Books available to check out. When choosing Big Books for your child, look for repetitive language structure, themes that would interest and motivate your child, and bright, colorful illustrations.
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Step 2
For independent readers, keep in your home a wide variety of high-interest reading materials to foster a love of reading, which may include: a Guinness Book of World Records, children’s magazines, newspapers, question and answer books, comic books, joke books, poetry collections, and science books. Include books that build on your child’s interest. For example, provide plenty of books on trains if that is what your child is interested in at the time. Place a small bookshelf or a basket filled with books in a room where your child likes to read. Do not get into the habit of using only schoolbooks, as those can limit your child’s reading expectations. The goal is to get your child to read for pleasure.
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Step 3
You are your child’s role model. If your child sees you reading for enjoyment, chances are he will learn to do the same. Using D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time in your home where everyone reads, including parents, is one of the best ways to instill a love of reading in your child that will last a lifetime. This silent reading time is for everyone, including the parent, to read independently for a specified amount of time (usually about fifteen to thirty minutes). Younger children may be given a stack of picture books if they are not yet reading. Make sure the television and phone ringer are turned off. What an excellent way to model the love of reading, plus you can get some reading done yourself!
