Author offers tips for raising healthy readers
According to Dr. Jack Pikulski, author of “Houghton Mifflin Reading,” parents contribute to a child’s reading development in more ways than you might expect.
“There are many ways to integrate key reading skills into everyday life,” Pikulski said. “As you play games, sing songs and run errands, you can introduce important concepts that contribute to your child’s ability to read well.”
Here are some ways to help your child learn to read.
• Read together regularly and often. Make sure that reading is included in your child’s daily activities. Children love reading books before bedtime or nap time. Stuff a book in your bag when you pack for a trip and establish a routine that incorporates books into each day. This routine gives children something to look forward to and teaches them to make reading a priority.
• Surround your child with books. Set a good example for your child by stocking your home with books and talking about what you read. The children’s room at your local library is a great place to start. Ask the librarian about the most appropriate books for your child’s level and be sure to store these books in a place your child can reach.
• Have fun with letters and words. The alphabet song, nursery rhymes and other letter games are important tools that help prepare children for reading. Call attention to letter names and shapes in the print that surrounds you and pass the time singing nursery rhymes.
These are fun ways to build reading skills outside of reading time.
“It’s exciting to discover that your child is on the road to reading,” Pikulski said. “And it’s nice to know how many simple things you can do to help. So enjoy participating in the process. Reading together and introducing these early concepts will help prepare both you and your child for school.”