As a parent trying to bring up a child in this digital age, you are anxious about whether your child will pick up the skill of reading and get hooked on to books, just like you did in your childhood. If you are losing sleep over your child's reading habit and want to help them improve their literacy skills, then you've come to the right place. Here are six things you can do to help your child learn how to read.
Lead by Example
Much as it is tempting to peer into your own gadgets and check the latest feed on your social media accounts, the first thing you need to do to help your child learn how to read is to stay away from your smartphone or tablet as much as you can around your child and pick up a book instead. It is imperative for parents to lead by example when you want your child to pick up the habit of reading.
Help a Child Pick her Own Books
When you have a pre-schooler at hand, make it a point to visit the local library or bookstore and help her choose her own books. A young child is likely to be attracted to books with bright colors. The good things about children's books these days is that they come in board book forms with touch and texture tools which makes it especially attractive for a young child.
Set Aside a Reading Time
Ideally, story time is right before bed. But if it is not possible for you to tuck her into bed each night, don't worry about the ritualistic aspect of it all! Just set aside 10-15 minutes in a day when you spend your time reading to or reading with your child. A young child is most likely to feel distracted after a 10-15 minutes period, so don't force anything beyond this time frame.
Encourage your Child to Pick a Favorite
Of all the books you read to a child, she is likely to have a favorite that she will keep going back to. It may be frustrating for you as a parent to read the same book over and over again, but by looking at the words and pictures again and again, you child is forming an association. After a point she may even know the words that follow. Keep at it with her.
Using Phonics
Teachers across kindergarten schools across the globe believe that learning phonics is the best way to begin reading. In order to help your child properly, learn how teach them phonics. Once a child picks up phonics, scanning words becomes easier. It is only a matter of time until she starts reading intuitively.
Create Sight Words
While phonics is great to help your child, all words cannot be broken up phonetically. For a child who has begun school it may be a good idea to make a "sight words" chart and put it up in a space she accesses often. Go through these words with her whenever you can find time.
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Education