Tips for Helping Your Child Become a Successful Reader

 

Read Aloud to Your Child

Spend at least 15 minutes each day reading aloud to your child.  Read information books as well as fiction.  Make reading one of the things your family does for fun.  Find a comfortable and quiet place away from distractions like the telephone or television.  Let your child sit close to you or in your lap.

Rule of Thumb

Have your child begin to read the first page.  Have him raise one finger for each difficult word.  If he raises all five fingers before the end of the page, the book is probably too hard for him.  Book lists for each grade level are provided below, but be sure to check higher and lower grades depending on your child's reading ability.  Also, keep in mind that there are thousands of wonderful children's books available, so don't limit your reading to these lists.

kindergarten | first grade | second grade | third grade | fourth grade | fifth grade

Helping with Comprehension

Before reading, ask your child to tell you what he thinks the book will be about.  Then ask your child questions as you read the book together.  Predict what will happen next.  After finishing, discuss what you liked or disliked about the book.  Ask your child to retell the story in his own words.

Helping with Difficult Words

Give your child time to figure out the word on his own.  If necessary, ask what word would make sense here.  Use surrounding text and pictures for clues.  If your child is obviously stuck, provide the word.

When Your Child Can Read Independently

Don't stop reading to your child.  Choose books that are too difficult for the child to complete on his own and read these aloud to him. Sit with your child when you both read silently, or ask your child to read to you.  Encourage him to read to younger children.  This will help give your child confidence in his ability to read.

Talk to Your Child

Talk to your child as you work and play together.  Introduce him to new vocabulary words when you go to the store or on family trips.  Listen to your child and answer questions using language your child will understand.  Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

The best way for parents to help their children to be good readers is to introduce them to the joy and wonder to be found in books and to share it with them often.  Children become good readers by reading a lot because they enjoy it.

Information Provided by the Virginia State Reading Association