Reading and Writing Tips for Parents
Make time for reading and read aloud every day.
Set aside a quiet time each day for reading, and remember to include "reading time" when planning
activities.
Read aloud in different places. How about the porch, under a tree, or at the pool!!
Give your child a chance to read aloud to you. Reading aloud will give your child the opportunity to practice reading skills. Encourage rereading of favorite books that are easy.
Keep it fun!! Don't set rules about reading for a certain amount of time or reading a minimum number of pages, and don't make reading a punishment — keep it fun so that it's something that your child wants to keep doing!
Beat boredom with books and different kinds of reading materials.
Help your reader find interesting things to read — especially for rainy days! These might include non-fiction books, fun fact books, arts and crafts books, project books, or cookbooks with kid-friendly recipes.
Keep different kinds of reading materials throughout the house, such as newspapers, magazines, and
brochures. Make sure to have some fun things on hand too, like word games and puzzles.
Visit the library frequently and look for summer reading programs,
Most libraries have reading programs, book clubs, or special events for kids.
Help your child get a library card. A library card makes a young reader feel special.
Allow your child to choose reading material. Your child will be more motivated to read if it is something they like.
Help your child select books at the right level. Try the 5 finger rule. Hold up five fingers. Open up the book to any page and ask your child to read it. Every time a mistake is made, a finger goes down. If all fingers are down and the page isn’t finished, the book is probably too hard.
Write every day.
Keep writing materials handy such as pencils, paper, and crayons so that your child can practice writing.
Here’s a few ideas for writing:
- letters or post cards to friends and relatives
- a journal for summer adventures
- a scrapbook
- write stories and poems
- shopping lists
- copying favorite recipes for a family recipe book