Want your child to be a good reader? Read to them! Here are some ideas and thoughts to help-
*Read every day. Read anytime but most children enjoy hearing stories at bedtime. Make this a part of your child's bedtime routine.
*Have your child choose a book. Let your child hold the book as you read.
*Look at the illustrations and talk about the illustrations.
*Stop and discuss new vocabulary.
*Stop and talk about the story...discuss feelings, situations, predict what might happen next.
*Talk about the story. Did you like/not like the story? Why? What was your favorite part?
*Have books accessible. We have had books all over our house since my boys were little. The kitchen, the bathroom-don't just 'assign' books to one area. Does your child have a train set? Put train books by the train set. Put dinosaur books by the dinosaur toys. Fill a basket with books and take outdoors. You get the idea.
*Don't just read in one voice-use different voices for different characters. Use a loud or soft voice. Using different voices makes the story far more fun and entertaining for your child.
*Ask your child to retell the story (this helps with sequencing and recalling details)
*Use your local library.
*Show your child how to care for and put away books.
*Visit the bookstore or thrift stores to buy new/used books.
*Set a good example and read books or magazines.
