1. Read aloud to your child!
Children of all ages love having adults read to them. Did you enjoy The Cat in the Hat or maybe Shel Silverstein's poems as a kid? Your child will too! Share some of your favorite stories. This is something that stays with children for the rest of their lives, and research has shown that it is one of the absolute best ways to help children increase their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and ability to read with fluency and expression!
2. Let your child see you reading!
When children see adults reading, it teaches them that reading is important and fun. We want them to know that reading is not just something taught in school. When I was younger, I remember my dad would keep a book wedged next to his seat in the car. He said it was for long stoplights... : )
3. Ask your child to read to you.
This is a great way to bond with your child and show them you are interested in what they do! Reading aloud will also help your child's fluency and expression.
4. Discuss books with your child.
Choose a book to read together, and talk about it during dinner or before bed. You could ask your child questions such as:
- What do you think about that character? Why?
- How is he/she feeling? Have you ever felt that way?
- Do you agree with what the character did? Why? Or, why not?
- What are you picturing in your head when you read this?
- What do you think will happen next?
Think about how you discuss your favorite TV shows with a friend, and discuss books the same way with your child.
5. Take your child to the library!
Library cards are a free and powerful thing, and librarians are experts at helping children find books they will love. See if you can get your child hooked on a great series. Not only will it help their ability to predict and infer about characters they know so well, but knowing where to find books they love in the library gives them ownership over the process of finding books and helps a big library to feel less overwhelming.
