Read, Read, READ! Read anything and read every day! Read cereal boxes, books, magazines...it doesn’t matter, it all helps to support your child’s reading development. 

 

READ BOOKS! You can never read too many books. Read together. Read alone, quietly. Read aloud over snacks. Read outside. Read everywhere!

 

Read it, Again! It’s okay if your child asks you to read the same book three nights in a row. It means they are enjoying it and they are developing a love of reading. Each time they hear it, they understand the story better and learn vocabulary.

 

Make a Story Space! Where’s your favorite place in your home?  Make it a story space! Make it extra cozy with pillows or create the space into a reading fort. Designate this place to tell stories and read stories, and it will make the experience extra special and exciting!

 

Don’t Stop Reading! Is your child able to read to you? Great news...just because your child can read to you, doesn’t mean you should stop reading to them. Stretch your child's vocabulary and comprehension skills by reading a book or article that is slightly above their ability.

 

Talk Books!  Develop your child’s critical thinking and comprehension by asking questions about the stories you read, such as, “Why did the character do that?” and “What do you think happened next?”

Invent a Story! What would happen if your two favorite story characters from different books joined to create their own story? Making up your own story is a fantastic way to help your child understand how stories are structured.

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Praise Them!  Is your child starting to read, or is your “reader” reading?  Regardless of their stage of reading development, acknowledge them for reading and tell them how proud you are of them!  They will swell with pride and be encouraged to read more!

 

Go on a Story Walk! Telling a story in a different setting makes it memorable. Try reading a story in a different room of the house or sit outside and read under a favorite tree.

 

Try a New Genre! A nonfiction book is loaded with fun facts and amazing photographs to inspire your child. Try reading different genres to keep reading fun, interesting, and fresh! 

 

Offer Wait Time! As children read, we are often eager to jump in and help them if they get stuck. Try waiting before helping them.  If needed, use the cues: Look at the pictures. Get your mouth ready and say the first sound. Stretch out the sounds in the word. Ask yourself, “Does it sound right?” “Does it look right?” “Does it make sense?” 

 

Offer Choice! Offer your child a few books to read and allow them to choose! You can ask, “Which one should we read first?” Providing your child the ability to make the choice gives them ownership of their learning. For older students, let them select the book they want to read.  Allowing them the choice will support interest and commitment to the book. 

 

Share the Reading! No matter the child’s age or developmental reading stage, share the reading with them.  Reading to your child supports fluency and vocabulary development. Let them repeat phrases, read with you at the same time, or leave out a word here and there; see if they can fill in the blank.  Support and nurture a child’s reading growth by sharing the love of words on the page. 

 

Make Predictions! Discuss the characters' next move. Will the setting change? What problem might the character face? For young readers, look at the picture to help them tell the story; ask the child what is happening or what will happen next.  The same is true for independent readers with a chapter book/novel...just without the pictures. 

 

Make Reading Relevant! Support your child by providing them various genres to read: books, magazine articles, newspapers, phones, music, graphic novels...Talk with them about their interests and what they are reading! 

Favorite Book Challenge! If you must be trapped in a children’s book for a month, which one would you choose and why?  Share with one another.

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Read About Your Family Culture or Background! Children think about their own identities and become interested in their backgrounds. Read with your child to teach them about their heritage and culture. 

 

Reading Together Supports Social and Emotional Development! The more time a family reads aloud together, the more it increases a child’s level of comfort and attachment. It also enhances a child’s sense of security.  Embrace one another and share the love of reading.   

 

Broaden Perspectives! Share with your child what a wonderful, varied, and exciting place the world is by reading stories from different countries, and featuring children of all cultures, races, and abilities. Embrace, and grow from our uniqueness. 

 

“Play” the Part! Change your voice for different characters; make your voice soft and loud. Put life and energy into your reading!

 

Encourage Questions! Encourage and take time to answer your child’s questions. Their questions mean they are curious and engaged in the story.

 

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