Tips For Parents Whose Children Are Starting To Learn To Read – Parenthood

Parents who have children who are learning to read are always very concerned about how this learning is progressing in their children. This is a completely normal reaction since reading is one of the great skills that we can acquire.

That’s why all the great advice you get at this crucial time in children’s lives is important. No matter what method the child uses to learn to read, these tips are universal and very helpful.

Read to your children as often as possible to teach them to read

It is important that as a parent you develop a routine in which you read a book with your child in the morning or in the evening. You can start by reading aloud, but involve the child by moving a finger over the text.

Thus, even if the child does not yet have the ability to read at the same speed as you, he will feel part of the activity and will be able to identify the letters more easily.

Have fun reading, show your child the pleasure you feel and fully share this moment with him. Don’t forget to book a family reading moment where you all feel close, each with their own book. Sometimes half an hour a day is enough, but read on. This is the only way to create a habit in your child. It is much better than any activity aimed at enlivening reading and the like.

The reading material should be of interest to the child

If your child has a favorite subject, find a book full of vocabulary related to that subject to increase their motivation. Look for readings that include her favorite subject and use this technique to get her interested in books.

Let the child choose their own book

When a person has decision-making power, they can determine the course of their learning process for themselves, so that they are more likely to participate. Taking children to libraries or bookstores and encouraging them to explore books can be a wonderful activity for parents whose children are learning to read.

Take their progress into account to teach them to read

As children develop their reading skills, there is a need to increase the challenge of their reading. To do this, simply switch from books that present one word per page to others with longer sentences, until you get to paragraph level.

If you are in doubt as to whether the book is at the right level for your child, try counting how many words your child does not know per page. You can also take the reverse approach and check how many words known to him are present.

Talk about what you see on the page

Another activity you can do is use books as a way to stimulate conversation on a topic. After reading, talk for a moment about what you have read or, at another time, bring up what you have read earlier in the week.

You can, for example, keep a special journal with the child in which you write the new words that appear with pictures or pictures and that are not written in the book. They will be easier to remember because they are linked to the story and represented visually.

Don’t compare

Each child learns to read at their own pace. Reading is a personal and individual experience during which the child begins to understand things on his own. From then on, he learns more about how storytelling works as he acquires more solid skills.

Therefore, comparing their progress with that of their peers is of no use. It is not necessary and does nothing. Each child has their own pace of learning and it is necessary to respect it and be aware that it is the right one for them.

Don’t put extra pressure on them

Forcing a child to read when they are not ready to read can lead to negative reactions and do more harm than good. The pressure is always daunting. An unmotivated child will not perform an activity in an enjoyable or rewarding way, or may not even want to do it again.

Talk to your child’s teacher

If you find that your child does not like reading and has difficulty deciphering or reading at first glance, keep in mind that this may be due to your child’s specific learning difficulties.

So, the most desirable thing, if you come across these situations, is that you first discuss the situation with the child’s teacher. It is he who can observe it professionally and even recommend an evaluation by a specialist.

In summary, parents with children who are learning to read should read with their child, but also let them fend for themselves. This means integrating this activity into the daily life of the family, encouraging the child to choose his reading and not putting pressure on him. By following these simple tips, you will go a long way in developing this life- sustaining skill for your child.