How to Help Children Be Successful Readers

Encourage Reading in Any Way You Can

There is no way to overestimate the importance of reading. It not only enhances learning in all of the other subject areas, it exposes children to a wealth of information and experiences they might not otherwise enjoy.It stimulates the imagination, nourishes emotional growth, builds verbal skills, and influences analyzing and thinking. In fact, according to every teacher I spoke to, reading to or with your child everyday is the single most important thing you can do.

You shouldn't worry so much about how well your child is reading in any particular grade. Different children acquire reading skills at different ages and in different ways. But you can promote a love of reading by giving your child lots of fun experiences with print at whatever level she's in. Here are some reading milestones you should look for (remember, your child's skill level may vary), and specific tips on how to help.

MILESTONE 1: Your child begins to read short, illustrated books on her own, for enjoyment.

How to help:

Make frequent trips to the local library, and encourage your child to pick out her own books.
When your child is reading to you, casually supply the words she doesn't know or can't figure out.Encouragement is still more important than correction.
Play games that involve reading skills (for example, have a treasure hunt and place written clues around the house; play Junior Scrabble and other age-appropriate board games).
Ask your child to read to a younger friend or sibling.
Leave your child brief notes— to say "I love you" or "Good luck" or "Don't forget to take your homework to school" — in her lunch box, near her cereal bowl at breakfast, or on the bathroom mirror.
Give books as gifts.
Limit TV, computer, and video-game time, and encourage your child to read instead — even it's only his baseball cards or some comic books.

MILESTONE 2: Your child begins to read longer books with fewer illustrations and distinct chapters (chapter books).

How to help:

Take turns reading the pages aloud together.
Talk about the plot, characters,and conflicts in the story you're reading together.
Explain complex words and sentences; help with pronunciations.
Encourage your child to read you recipes and other written directions.
Show how much you value reading by doing a lot of it yourself. Ask for books when it's your turn to get gifts. Talk about the books or magazine articles you're reading and enjoying.

MILESTONE 3: Your child can read independently, and enjoys reading a variety of books.

How to help:

Make sure there are lots of different kinds of reading materials geared to his interests around the house (for instance, a kids sports magazine, or books on the sports or other activities he loves).
Treat your child like a reading expert, no matter what kinds of books she loves to read. If she's a horror story addict, for instance, say: "You've been reading a lot of those horror story books. Which one do you think is best? Why?"
Make sure your child has some free time every day when he can curl up in a chair and read. Read your own books, magazines, or newspapers when your child is reading.
Keep reading aloud to your child (to strengthen his vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills, as well as his enjoyment of reading).
Keep reading aloud to your child (to strengthen his vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills, as well as his enjoyment of reading).