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Reading to your child has so many benefits for children ages 0 to 14 - check out my post about all of the benefits here. From my experience as a teacher, children who are readers are more successful in every academic area. Reading is just so important, so I am sharing tips below to make reading more fun and more beneficial for your early-elementary-aged child.
20 Tips:
Make reading a game (example: hunt for specific words on billboards and signs when you are in the car)
Encourage them to think of Rhyming words (example: you are reading Pete the Cat, and you can ask them to think of words that rhyme with Cat)
Make storytime interactive - puppets, toys, costumes, acting out characters, etc.
Make crafts related to the books you are reading
Create a reading area (no digital technology allowed)
Read the book together first then see the movie
Let your child pick out the book they want to read
Find books on topics your child is interested in
Have your child retell the story
Ask questions about the book (you can do this as they are retelling the story)
Bring a book with you whenever your child will have to wait (doctor's office, dentist's office, etc.)
Pick a new vocabulary word you will focus on for your book and create a signal (ex. cheering) your child will give when they hear the word. Then ask them to tell you what the word means.
Help your child with making connections between the book and their experiences.
Re-read books - this helps children read more quickly and accurately
Take turns reading aloud - let them read to you too!
Be patient - give your child time to sound things out without giving them the word
Point out the first letter(s) and letter groups your child may recognize
Making storytime a part of your routine
Try reading in different places in your home or outside - even better if it relates to what you are reading (example: the park for a book that takes place outside, a dark room with a flashlight for a book that takes place at night.)
Have fun! Your child is more likely to enjoy reading if you do
Sources of Information:
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!
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