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Parents
Corner
Reading Tips
Here are some reading tips librarians and teachers recommend to
parents:
Why is reading to your child
important?
Reading to children can and should be fun, exciting, and very
fulfilling. But beyond that, studies have repeatedly shown
that children who are read to in early age have a much higher
success rate in school and life later on.
In addition, when you as a parent spend time with your child
reading, you show your child not only that reading and learning is
important, but that it is important to you, and by
doing so you are setting an excellent example for your child.
Finally, reading with your child can become a special
interaction time between the two of you, which can build and
strengthen the bond between parent and child in an amazing way.
Spending just 10 minutes a day reading to your child can make a
huge difference in your child' future life and happiness!
When should I begin reading to my
child?
You can and should begin reading when your child is born. While
they may not understand a word you are saying, picture books
normally offer beautiful illustrations which catch the baby's
attention and develops their mind. Also, reading regularly to your
baby can build familiarity and a liking for books.
When should I stop reading to my
child?
After first or second grade, parents can stop reading to their
child, and start reading with their child. You can read
longer picture books or beginner chapter books, depending on your
child's reading level, with the child reading a page or two of a
chapter and you reading the rest, or the child reading a chapter
and you reading the next.
There are many variations or ways to do it. The important thing
is to find out what works for you and your child to encourage
him/her at this crucial age to keep reading.
Reading times and environment
While this doesn't have to be set in stone, it is recommended to
try and establish a regular time each day for reading. This can be
after dinner or at bedtime. Make it a ritual and see how your
child grows to love reading.
Choose a comfortable place to sit (perhaps a rocking chair)
away from distractions such as television or music, where you two
can concentrate on reading the book, and where the child is free
to use his/her imagination to create the "world" around
the story.
What books should I read?
Almost every children's book has an age recommendation on its back
or spine. If you are reading a book and your child seems to be
upset or confused by it, it may be too difficult for your child,
or perhaps your child simply doesn't like it. Get another book
instead. Forcing a child to read a book is a sure way to make
him/her dislike reading.
Reread your child's favorite books whenever asked. Also, check
out our session plans for more
information on this topic.
Where can I get books to read?
One inexhaustible resource for
books, is your local library. Go ahead and register your child for
a library card; it's never too early! Visit the library regularly
and often, and if possible, get your child involved in the
selection of which books to check out. Also, libraries often have
a shelf which features new books that librarians recommend.
Then of course there are the mega- and
small bookstores which normally offer a huge children's section.
Another option is to subscribe to a book
club. This is an easy and less expensive way to get new books
added to your collection. But if
your budget doesn't allow buying dozens of new books each month,
check out a used bookstore or a thrift/goodwill store.
Let the reading begin!
Some helpful hints on how to make reading fun and effective:
- Read using different voices:
Using different voices for the
various characters makes it easier for kids to follow a story,
and makes it more interesting.
- Show appropriate expressions:
When reading a sad part of the
story, pretend you are sad. When you read something funny,
laugh out loud. Making faces while reading out loud makes the
story even more interesting!
- Involve your child in the reading:
Ask him/her to point out objects or animals or people, talk
about the pictures, or ask the child what he thinks is going
to happen next.
- Explain unusual expressions or words:
Kids may not ask what something means if they don't
understand it. If you go over an expression or a hard word, ask
your child if he knows what it means and explain it to him or
her. This can help build your child's vocabulary.
- Let your child "fill in the blanks":
When reading a
story for the second or third time, let your child finish the
sentence if it is particularly funny or memorable. You will be
amazed at how much kids remember of what you read them days or
even
weeks ago.
Share your experience!
If you'd like to share your experience with us and other parents,
please head on over to our parents' forum.
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