As a child’s first and most constant teacher, parents play an important role in building strong, effective readers. Here are some tips to help your children develop a strong love of reading that will stay with them a lifetime.
1. Children love to emulate what the adults in their lives do so, first and foremost, model reading yourself. It is important that both mom and dad are seen reading on a regular basis. Talk to your children about what you are reading and about the interesting things you have learned.
2. Take time on a daily basis to read to and with your children. Reading time should be an enjoyable, relaxing time when the whole family can laugh and enjoy each others company.
3. Provide plenty of books so that your child has easy access to good books that he or she enjoys. Encourage him or her to read the favorites over and over again. You can purchase books new or find plenty of inexpensive choices at used bookstores, garage sales or other thrift shops. You can even pick up high quality, children’s books as low as a penny each in Amazon’s used book area. Libraries, of course, are also great sources of appropriate level books for ongoing reading enjoyment.
4. Talk to your child often when you are with him or her. A strong and well-developed vocabulary is an important trait for becoming a strong and effective reader. Tell stories, sing funny songs and help your child learn new idioms and sayings whenever possible.
5. Finally, praise, praise, praise. Your child needs to know that his or her hard work at learning to read is important to you as well as valued. Be sure to compliment your child on each step of progress
