Ten At-Home Tips for Teaching Reading
Much of a child's early reading success depends on the level of support given at home. Those children who are given the opportunities and the tools to learn to read both at school and at home have the best chance of success. The following are ten tips that can help home-school parents know when they are on track helping prepare their children for reading success.
Tip #1: Read with and to Children Regularly
Reading at home together with children is one of the best ways to ensure that they are ready for reading. It sends the message that reading is enjoyable and fun. Try to read with your children at least five or six times a week. The sessions need not be long; let the children’s attention span be a helpful guide.
Tip #2: Let Children Explore Books Alone
Parents sometimes make the mistake of overly controlling the reading opportunities that their children have. They may let their child select the book, but then completely take over from there. All children should be given the time to explore a book before and/or after they read it with a parent or some other adult. When the child reaches the point where he or she can read alone, it's still a good idea to encourage exploration before reading..
Tip #3: Show Confidence in the Child's Abilities
Children need to believe that they can do something. And, when a child becomes discouraged, it is often a parent's expression of his or her abilities that helps the child over a rough patch. Displaying a lack of confidence can make the child question his or her abilities.
Tip #4: Avoid Expressing Worry About the Child's Progress
Parents who are worried about a child's reading progress should avoid discussing this with the child or in front of the child. Discussing concerns with the child's teacher or other homeschooling educator is a much better option than risking compounding any reading problems the child may have by bringing the matter to his or her attention.
Tip #5: Encourage Children to Read to Others
Parents are built-in audiences for young readers. Parents should encourage their children to read to them often. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and cousins, and neighbors are also great audiences.
Tip #6: Have Realistic Expectations
Parents have been reading for so long that they have understandably forgotten how long it took them to learn to read. Children learn to read at different paces and they begin to learn to read at different ages. Parents need to be sure to accommodate different learning styles to avoid rushing a child into reading or expecting too much from a struggling reader.
Tip #7: Avoid Rushing a Reading Session
Children should not feel rushed during a reading session. And, parents should avoid feeling conflicted between spending time reading with children and getting something else done. Schedule time for reading when nothing else will interfere.
Tip #8: Provide Reading and Writing Opportunities
Encourage children to read and write by putting them in charge of the shopping list and sharing letters from friends and relatives. Parents can also help teach children to learn to write by helping them write their own name on letters to friends and relatives. Opportunities for reading and writing development can be found in simple, everyday activities.
Tip #9: Provide Appropriate Reading Materials
Parents should make sure that their young readers have a wealth of age-appropriate reading material. Be sure to stock the home with books that interest the child. Take the child to the library as well. Encourage children to select their own library books and participate in the library's story time.
Tip #10: Nip Problems in the Bud
Any child who is having trouble reading might have issues that need attention. A child that has trouble might have a learning disorder, hearing problems, or poor vision. Parents should be aware enough to attend to problems as early as possible but not so concerned that they create problems where none exist.
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Article by Michael Levy