Tip-The family that reads together...

I know we’ve all heard it a million times, read to your child regularly. But it is important in developing your child’s interest in reading. Listening to your steady smooth reading inspires your child to want to read just like you. If you have the ability to animate your voice it will help the child to find his or her own voice in reading. I do this and I can’t tell you how excited my four year old gets about our before bed reading. Soon you’ll find your child saying the words along with you. Repetition is key when a child begins reading. These are also the books your child will read first when he or she begins reading.
When they learn how to read you can read with your child, taking turns. My son likes this because he doesn’t have to read all of it. We take turns by pages. It’s also important to hear your child read out loud so you can scope where he or she is with reading ability and speed.
Even pre-teens and teenagers can enjoy reading with you, especially if it is an activity you’ve done together for a long time. But if this isn’t the case and the teen does not seem willing to try you can rent or buy audio books to enjoy together. It’s still a story that you share! And once this catches on you may be able to coerce the child into reading with you. Telling stories is an art that can be helpful also. Try telling a story relevant to the child’s age group. Be sure to add tension and action to keep their attention.



Reluctant participants
If your little darling does not stay still while you are reading to him or her try some of these ideas:
-act out the story and try to get the child involved
-change your voices a lot and put more dramatic effect into the story
-reach for the book with fun rhymes