Reading is a fundamental skill that children must master if they are to succeed in school and beyond. Sadly, some kids struggle with reading more than others. Reading difficulties can be caused by a wide range of factors, including genetic predisposition, sensory issues, or simple lack of practice. Whatever the cause may be, parents can help their child improve reading skills. Check out this article for advice on how you can help your child develop stronger reading abilities at home.
Establish a routine for reading
In order to get your child into a routine of reading regularly, you’ll have to start when they are young. Ideally, your child should be reading on a daily basis. If you have an infant, make reading part of your daily routine. Reading to your child is a great way to help them develop their language skills, create a positive attitude towards reading, and increase their attention span. When your child is a bit older, make regular reading part of their bedtime routine. If your child is in school, they will be required to read regularly as part of their curriculum. Encourage your child to read outside of school hours as well. Make reading a regular part of your child’s bedtime routine to ensure they are getting enough practice.
The best is to read good, age-appropriate literature on a regular basis. However, as your child is learning to recognize letters and to read, even making a game out of having them read signs aloud while driving in the car, or product labels while shopping in the supermarket, can bolster their confidence in reading, without requiring any extra time in your busy day.
Let your child choose what to read
When your child has to read for school or a class, make sure that they are reading materials that are at their reading level. In addition to this, let your child choose what to read outside of these requirements. Choose a wide range of books that are at your child’s reading level. This will help them gain confidence in their reading abilities and develop the reading skills that they need for school. You may also want to consider buying your child a reading reward book. Let your child know that they can read this book when they finish reading their regular material. This will give your child a goal to strive towards while also providing positive reinforcement for reading.
Help your child develop strong vocabulary skills
One of the most important reading skills is vocabulary. When your child learns how to read, they will learn new words as they go. However, some kids have a harder time learning new vocabulary words than others. If your child is having difficulty with vocabulary, there are a few things you can do to help them. You can encourage your child to use the dictionary and online resources when they encounter an unfamiliar word. This will help them understand the word’s meaning and use it in a sentence correctly. You can also make a game out of learning new words. One way to do this is to pick out a few words from each book your child reads. Let your child guess what the word means, and then use this word in a sentence they make up. Doing so will help your child remember the meanings of new words they encounter when reading.
Assist with phonics training
Phonics is one of the key components of teaching kids to read. While most kids learn phonics at school, some children are behind their peers. This can make reading difficult for your child, which can lead to frustration and a phobia of reading. If your child is behind their grade level in phonics, you can help them catch up. First, make sure your child is practicing reading at home. This can be done by reading to your child at bedtime or by letting your child read to you. If your child is having trouble with a certain sound, try making flashcards to help them practice. You can also take your child to a reading clinic in your area to get assistance with phonics.
Tips for helping your child memorize words
As your child is developing their reading skills, there will inevitably be words that they don’t know. When this happens, there are a few tips you can use to help your child remember the meanings of unfamiliar words. Make mental images to help your child remember the meanings of words. For example, if your child is trying to figure out the meaning of the word “tousled,” they could imagine the tousled mane of a lion. This visualization technique can be useful whenever your child is having trouble remembering the definition of a word. Another way to remember words is to use mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are imagery-based tricks that help your child remember the definition of a word. For an advanced example, the mnemonic device “Stalactites have to hold on tight” can be used to help your child remember the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite.
Offer small rewards during reading practice
Reading is hard work for kids. It’s a lot of mental effort for them to read and understand new words. During this difficult process, your child may become frustrated or bored. It’s important to recognize these feelings and deal with them before they spiral out of control. Offer your child small rewards while they are reading. This will help them stay focused during their challenging reading exercises. Rewards can be as simple as a break in their reading practice or a small gift or treat. Rewards are a great way to encourage your child to keep reading even when they are bored or frustrated. They will help your child develop a positive attitude towards reading, which will make it easier for them to achieve their reading goals.
Investigate other barriers to learning
If your child consistently struggles in this area and the above pointers yield no fruit, it is urgently recommended that you have your child assessed for sensory or other learning difficulties. Japari School can assist with assessments. Remember, it’s your duty and aim as a parent to help your child get any necessary learning support early on, to ensure that they thrive over the next decades of his or her life.
Conclusion
Reading is a vital skill that all kids must master. Unfortunately, some kids have a harder time developing strong reading skills than others. If your child is struggling with reading, there are things you can do to help them. Start by making reading a daily habit, letting your child choose what to read, and helping them develop strong vocabulary skills. You can also assist with phonics training and offer small rewards during reading practice. With these tips, you can make it easier for your child to develop strong reading skills. And when in doubt, don’t delay in having your child assessed for any more serious learning difficulties, so that you can strategize toward overcoming any barriers to lear
