Reading With Your Child
1. Try to read with your child at least four
times a week for about 15-20 minutes. Some children and parents like to read
together after supper, while others enjoy reading before bedtime. Set aside
a specific time so that reading together becomes part of your routine.
2. Make sure you get books your child can
read successfully. If your child misses more than one out of twenty words on
average, the book is too difficult. you may want to read more difficult books
to your child, but do not expect children to read them because they want to
show you how well they can read.
3. Alternate every other page or every few
pages. Make sure your child has an opportunity to listen to your model as an
experienced reader. This also gives your child a chance to rest and enjoy the
story!
4. If you are reading with your child and the
child comes to an unknown word, you should pronounce the word. Do not take
time have the child sound out the word or try to guess what it is. This
usually interrups the meaningful and pleasurable process of reading. After you
have finished the story, you can go back to the unknown words and teach them.
5. Praise your child while he or she is
reading. Be specific when you praise by pointing out a particular word the
child recognized, the way the child read with expression, the child's answer
to a question, and so forth.