Simple strategies for creating strong readers
- Without doubt, reading with children spells success for early
literacy. Putting a few simple strategies into action will make
a significant difference in helping children develop into good
readers and writers.
- Through reading aloud, providing print materials, and
promoting positive attitudes about reading and writing, you can
have a powerful impact on your children’s literacy and learning.
- Invite your children to read with you every day.
- When reading a book where the print is large, point word by
word as you read. This will help children learn that reading goes
from left to right and understand that the word they say is the
word they see.
- Read your children’s favorite books over and over again.
- Read many stories with rhyming words and lines that repeat.
Invite your children to join in on these parts. Point, word by
word, as they read along with you.
- Discuss new words. For example, “This big house is called a
palace. Who do you think lives in a palace?”
Stop and ask about the pictures and about what is happening
in the story.
- Read from a variety of children’s books, including fairy tales,
song books, poems, and information books.
- Reading well is at the heart of all learning. Children who can’t
read well don’t learn well. Help make a difference for your
children.
INSIGHTS FOR FAMILIES is provided by your child’s school in recognition of your role as a partner in education. Written by Judy McDaniel, communications consultant. Adapted from information provided by the U.S. Department of Education.