How to help a child read.

Hey readers,

My youngest has started to read and bring books home. So, it inspired me to write some tips that have helped my eldest and youngest to read.

Read at home.

I think the most important thing to do when it comes to encouraging your child to read is to just simply read to your child and get them involved with listening to the story. This is a great way to get your child familiar with books, it is also a great way to bond. Reading books at bedtime is important to incorporate as it is relaxing and can help get your child to sleep. When reading to your child or getting them to read to you dot pressure them too hard, make it light and fun - they are more likely to want to do it.

Talk to your child.

My second tip to help get your child to read is to talk to your child about the book and let them tell you what the story is about, you could ask about their opinion of the book.

Wordless books.

Wordless books are a great tool to help with introducing reading to your child, they can talk about what is happening on the pages and it helps familiarise with reading.

Think positive and encourage praise.

I know it can be frustrating when you want to do something and want to get your child to meet the expectations. But don't worry, think positive that they will learn but don't aim for them to do such and such with regards to reading at such a certain time. It is important to be laid back, encourage praise because children can sense the negativity especially when you are short tempered. If it is relaxed they are more likely to enjoy reading and want to do it all by themselves.

Be interested in what they are reading.

When listening to your child take an interest in what they are reading, encourage them by asking questions and how they feel or rate the book.

Library.

From a young age, you can take your child to the library and get them interested in books. There are free music and story time books allowing them to have fun and it is something free to do with your little one. Also, during the summer there is the reading challenge where you read x amount of books and receive stickers, activities at the end of a certificate and medal. A great encouragement to read. Another thing to do at the library is to let your child pick out books that interest them, it is free to borrow them. There is a wide selection of books, fiction, and non-fiction.

Space.

When your child is reading to you before jumping I and helping them (which is all too easy as I am guilty of this one) allow them the space to try themselves to break down the word and say it. Sometimes the best way to learn is through practicing yourself and getting familiar with words.

What things have you learned to help your child to read? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X