Reading to your child at a young age is so important. Story time should be very enjoyable, relaxing, and a learning experience for you and your child. You will learn from your child what kinds of stories they like to read as well as what kind of attention span they have. At the pre-school age many children are developing pre-reading skills just by being read to.
The following are some tips for developing good quality reading time and what might your child learn from being read to:
• Set aside some time each day to read to your child. Remember it does not have to be a large amount of time. Just 10-15 minutes a day is fine. Bedtime reading is always soothing, relaxing and a great way to end the day but reading anytime you think you and your child would enjoy works just as well.
• When choosing books to read, allow your child to choose at least one. If reading at bedtime, you might want to choose a book that is appropriate. A story that is not so stimulating and is an easy read would be better for them to fall asleep.
• It’s ok to read books over and over again. Repetitive reading helps your child to memorize the book and begin to learn what the words look like which of course leads to reading!
• There are so many books that have wonderful messages that are age appropriate. Whether it is about social skills, feelings, families, shapes, numbers, colors, letters, etc. Stories are a great way to get the message across to your child about any struggle they might be having. Your child can relate to the characters in the story or the setting sometimes easier than you trying to help them, as long as the story is at their level.
• When reading the story, ask questions during it to make sure they understand. After you have read it discuss what happened and see if your child can tell you what happened in the beginning, the middle, and the end.
• Reading time should always be in a quiet area with no other stimulants around. You want your child to be focused on the story so they understand and be engaged in it as well.
• If you order books from the school book clubs, involve your child by allowing them to choose a book, but look over the selections carefully. There are many books that are so beneficial to your child’s education.
Enjoy this time you have with your young child. They learn to read at such an early age. You will miss reading to them. Encouraging reading enhances their skills, broadens their vocabulary, and increases knowledge.
Happy Reading!!
The following are some tips for developing good quality reading time and what might your child learn from being read to:
• Set aside some time each day to read to your child. Remember it does not have to be a large amount of time. Just 10-15 minutes a day is fine. Bedtime reading is always soothing, relaxing and a great way to end the day but reading anytime you think you and your child would enjoy works just as well.
• When choosing books to read, allow your child to choose at least one. If reading at bedtime, you might want to choose a book that is appropriate. A story that is not so stimulating and is an easy read would be better for them to fall asleep.
• It’s ok to read books over and over again. Repetitive reading helps your child to memorize the book and begin to learn what the words look like which of course leads to reading!
• There are so many books that have wonderful messages that are age appropriate. Whether it is about social skills, feelings, families, shapes, numbers, colors, letters, etc. Stories are a great way to get the message across to your child about any struggle they might be having. Your child can relate to the characters in the story or the setting sometimes easier than you trying to help them, as long as the story is at their level.
• When reading the story, ask questions during it to make sure they understand. After you have read it discuss what happened and see if your child can tell you what happened in the beginning, the middle, and the end.
• Reading time should always be in a quiet area with no other stimulants around. You want your child to be focused on the story so they understand and be engaged in it as well.
• If you order books from the school book clubs, involve your child by allowing them to choose a book, but look over the selections carefully. There are many books that are so beneficial to your child’s education.
Enjoy this time you have with your young child. They learn to read at such an early age. You will miss reading to them. Encouraging reading enhances their skills, broadens their vocabulary, and increases knowledge.
Happy Reading!!