How to improve your child’s reading skills

Fluent reading skill is one of the most essential foundations for a child’s success in school and beyond. It is never too early to begin developing your child’s literary ability. This article will give you tips on how you can encourage your child to read and ensure that you have laid the groundwork that will secure their successful future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books
• Library Card
• Flash Cards
• Computer Games
• Magazine Subscription

1. 
   Reading time

   The best way to develop your child’s interest in reading is to have a designated “story” time each day or night. I enjoy reading to my children at night, before bed time. They appreciate the one on one time with Mom or Dad and it helps them settle down before sleep. Your child is never too young to be read to.

2. 
   sight words

   As your child advances you can begin having them identify words from their favorite books. Some will come from memory and looking at pictures, but eventually they will memorize “sight” words. This is a good way to begin forming your child’s reading skills.

3. 
   library

   Take your child to your local library. Have them get their own library card and choose books to bring home and read. Even if your child is not reading yet, you can use this to encourage their desire to learn.

4. 
   reading material

   Have a wide variety of reading materials around your home. Subscribe your child to a monthly youth magazine. They will look forward to each new issue.

5. 
   signs

   Use any and every opportunity for your child to utilize their reading skills. Have them read labels on items at the grocery store, road signs, menus, brochures at the doctor’s office, etc.

6. 
   family reading time

   Set aside a family reading time each day. It may be after dinner or before bed time; whatever works for your family. Have each member take turns reading from your chosen book.

7. 
   reading games

   Use a wide selection of tools to help build your child’s reading skills. Utilize flash cards, textbooks, activity books, coloring pages, board games, and computer or video games.

8. 
   goals

   Record your child’s progress. Reward them with each advancement. You can use a chart to keep track of their goals.

9. 
   learning disabilities

   Study your child for any possible learning disabilities. If your child seems to be struggling, seek out help as soon as possible. The sooner these issues are diagnosed, the better off your child will be in the long run.

10. 
    rewards

    Reward your child with each new book he or she reads. After they have completed a set number of books they can choose an outing for the family to enjoy.

11. 
    fun to read

    Be consistent with developing your child’s reading skills, but always remember to keep it fun. This will ensure that your create a lasting love of reading in your child and the ability to do it well.

Tips & Warnings

• Read with your child everyday
• Use a variety of reading tools
• Chart your child's progress
• Watch out for signs of any learning disabilities
• Have fun!

Resources

• National Institute for Literacy

[pianistic]

on 11/7/2008 Good ideas!

[2besure]

on 10/29/2008 Reading is fundamental! You have some great information here. 5*****

[SpeaK]

on 10/15/2008 This is an excellent article. I was lucky to have a grandmom who read to me and got me into the library at a young age. The older i get, the more i see a deterioration in the quality and overall work ethic of the American worker. I am beginning to attribute this to the fact that reading is not emphasized in schools nearly as much as it used to be. To this day after all my private school education, i still find it quite challenging to read technical books. 5 stars

[Kilogramm]

on 9/23/2008 Thank you so much for these great tips, will be adding this to my favs!

[Gourmet2Go]

on 9/11/2008 thanks so much for the great article! 5 stars!