10 Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Child Read Better

10 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP THEIR CHILD READ BETTER

1. READ TO YOUR CHILD – Preferably every day, from ages 1 to 12. From a wide variety of materials: classics and contemporary; fact and fiction.

2. ENCOURAGE WRITING – Encourage scribbling and pretend writing. Write letters and stories. Have writing materials available: crayons, pens, computers.

3. HAVE READING MATERIAL AT HOME – Books, children’s magazines. For entertainment and information. Make sure some are easy.

4. GET YOUR CHILD A LIBRARY CARD – Exchange books weekly.

5. ENCOURAGE CONVERSATION – Talk about animals, family problems, the world. Discuss their reading.

6. CONTROL TV – It must not be on all the time. Have silent periods for reading. Watch some good shows about books, science, major events.

7. MODEL READING – Read yourself and let your child see you. Regularly read books, newspapers.

8. HAVE YOUR CHILD READ ALOUD – To you, to other children. Help with mistakes. If many mistakes, select an easier book.

9. DO MANY INFORMAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES – Visit zoos, museums, different places. Have your child cook, construct, observe carefully. Don’t omit games and exercises.

10.VALUE SCHOOL AND LEARNING – Visit your child’s class. Talk to

the teacher about reading progress. Praise academic achievement.

The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists, Third Edition, ©1993 by Prentice Hall