Building Vocabulary & Comprehension

How to Do It:

• • Read to your child every day

  • Set aside a special reading time

  • The art of listening needs to be cultivated

  • Picture books are ideal for families with age spans

  • Start with picture books and build to novels

  • Read a large variety of text

  • Follow through and be consistent

  • Read aloud material above your child's reading level

  • Stop in a suspenseful spot -- leave them hanging!

  • Allow time for discussion of thoughts, hopes, fears, and other discoveries that are aroused by a story

  • Mood is important -- get comfortable!

  • Use lots of expression -- make the words grab them

  • Read s-l-o-w-l-y: your child needs to absorb the words and build a mental picture

  • Bring books with you wherever you go!

  • Be an example -- let your child see you reading for pleasure. Share with them your enthusiasm for whatever you're reading.

  • Start reading to your child at birth and don't ever stop!