Many of the steps parents can take start early on with their children, and can help them learn to read earlier and thus have more success with learning to read while in school. Below are some steps that parents can take to support their children in developing life-long skills that come from being able to read.
Birth to Age 5:
- Read out loud to your child every day, no matter how old they might be.
- Listen to your child read.
- Echo read (you read a line, then they repeat what you read).
- Read together at the same time.
- Reread your favorite stories.
- Help build you child's vocabulary by commenting on things that your child finds interesting during playtime or a trip to the grocery store. Be sure to talk with your child, rather than talking at them.
- As they get older, talk to your child about what they are reading by asking questions, such as:
- What is your favorite part of the story?
- What do you think will happen next?
- How would you feel if that happened to you?
- Encourage enthusiasm for learning by helping your child to explore and discover how things work.
Grades K-3:
- Have your student read for at least 30 minutes every day. Encourage them to choose books that they are interested in and ask them questions about what they are reading.
- Talk to your student's teacher and ask if your child is on track to be reading at or above grade level by 3rd Grade. Ask how you can help improve or advance their reading skills.
- Ask questions about your student's homework and what happened in school every day. If possible, provide a dedicated place and time for your child to complete their homework.
