Dear Parents,
You’ve heard it before,
and I’ll say it again. You are your child’s first and most
important teacher! Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting
letters with suggestions for how you can help your child at
home. You’ll discover how much fun reading, talking, singing, and
playing with your child can be! And you’ll be laying the groundwork
for a lifetime of learning and reading.
The best way to help your
child learn to read is to read, read, read!
1. Model reading in front of
your child. Read directions on recipes, the newspaper, labels on
clothing, and street signs. Show your child the importance of
reading, and also the pleasure we can get from reading.
2. Set aside a special time
each day to read with your child. It might be right before bed, or
you could wake your child up each morning with a story.
3. Point your finger under
the words as you read them.
4. Talk about the title of
the book, the author, illustrator, etc. What is the
setting? Who are the characters? Could this really happen
or is it just pretend?
5. Take your child to the
library. Help your child get her own library card and take
responsibility for books.
6. Create a special basket
or shelf in your home where you keep books and magazines for your child to
read. You might also want to keep a backpack filled with books in
your car.
7. Check out Jim Trelease's
READ ALOUD HANDBOOK to learn more about the power of reading to your child.
Happy
reading!
