10 Tips on Reading with Your Child

As a parent or caregiver, you can play an important role in helping your child to learn to read.
Here are some tips on how you can help to make learning to read a positive experience for your child.

1. Choose a quiet time

Set aside a quiet time with no distractions. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually long enough.
2. Make reading fun
Make reading fun. Sit with your child. Try not to pressure your child. If your child loses interest then do something else and try again another time.

3. Maintain the flow

If your child mispronounces a word do not interrupt immediately. Instead allow them time to self‐correct. But it is better to tell a child some unknown words to maintain the flow rather than insisting on trying to build them all up from the sounds of the letters. If your child does try to 'sound out' words, encourage the use of letter sounds rather than 'alphabet names'.

4. Stay positive

If your child says something nearly right to start with that is fine. Don't say 'No. That's wrong,' but 'Let's read it together' and point to the words as you say them. Boost your child's confidence with constant praise for even the smallest achievement.

5. Success is the key

It is always a mistake to give a child a book that is too difficult. Remember 'Nothing succeeds like success'. Until your child has built up his or her confidence, it is better to choose easier books. Struggling with a book with many unknown words is frustrating for a child and can lead to him or her becoming a reluctant reader.

6. Regular practice

Try to read with your child every day. 'Little and often' is best.

7. Communicate

Your child will also be learning to read in school. Ask them about what books they are reading in school. Your child will then know that you are interested in their progress and that you value reading.

8. Talk about the books

There is more to being a good reader than being able to read the words accurately. It’s just as important is being able to understand what has been read. Always talk to your child about the book; about the pictures, the characters, how they think the story will end, their favourite part. You will then be able to see how well they have understood and you will help them to develop good comprehension skills.

9. E-books are just as good as paper books for learning to read

If you are reading this now, then you have access to hundreds of books that you can enjoy reading with your children – and we are adding more all the time.

10. Variety is important

All reading is good! Not just books, but also magazines, newspapers, road signs – even text messages.

                       ***
                  THE END