Start Young and Stay With It
At just a few months of age, an infant can look at pictures,
listen to your voice, and point to objects on cardboard pages. Guide your child
by pointing to the pictures, and say the names of the various objects. By
drawing attention to pictures and associating words with both pictures and
real-world objects, your child will learn the importance of language.
Children learn to love the sound of language before they
even notice the existence of printed words on a page. Reading books aloud to
children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the
world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to
understand the written word. When the rhythm and melody of language become a
part of a child’s life, learning to read will be as natural as learning to walk
and talk.
Even after children learn to read by themselves, it’s still
important for you to read aloud together. By reading stories that are on their
interest level, but beyond their reading level, you can stretch young readers’
understanding and motivate them to improve their skills.
It’s Part of Life
Although the life of a parent is often hectic, you should
try to read with your child at least once a day at a regularly scheduled time.
But don’t be discouraged if you skip a day or don’t always keep to your
schedule. Just read to your child as often as you possibly can.
If you have more than one child, try to spend some time
reading alone with each child, especially if they’re more than 2 years apart.
However, it’s also fine to read to children at different stages and ages at the
same time. Most children enjoy listening to many types of stories. When stories
are complex, children can still get the idea and can be encouraged to ask
questions. When stories are easy or familiar, youngsters enjoy these “old
friends” and may even help in the reading.
Taking the time to read with your children on a regular
basis sends an important message: Reading is worthwhile.
One More Time
You may go through a period when your child favors one book
and wants it read night after night. It is not unusual for children to favor a
particular story, and this can be boring for parents. Keep in mind, however,
that a favorite story may speak to your child’s interests or emotional needs.
Be patient. Continue to expose your children to a wealth of books and
eventually they will be ready for more stories.
Talking About Stories
It’s often a good idea to talk about a story you’re reading,
but you needn’t feel compelled to talk about every story. Good stories will
encourage a love for reading, with or without conversation. And sometimes
children need time to think about stories they’ve read. A day or so later,
don’t be surprised if your child mentions something from a story you’ve read
together.
Remember When You Were Very Young
It will help to consider some things adult readers tend to
take for granted. It’s easier to be patient with children when we remember how
much they don’t know. Here are a few concepts we adults know so well that we
forget sometimes we ever had to learn them:
There’s a difference between words and pictures. Point to
the print as you read aloud.
Words on a page have meaning, and that is what we learn to
read.
Words go across the page from left to right. Follow with
your finger as you read.
Words on a page are made up of letters and are separated by
a space.
Each letter has at least two forms: one for capital letters
and and one for small letters.
Imagine how you would feel if you were trying to interpret a
book full of such symbols. That’s how young readers feel. But, a little
patience (maybe by turning it into a puzzle you can solve together) is certain
to build confidence.
Advertise the Joy of Reading!
Our goal is to motivate children to read so they will
practice reading independently and become fluent readers. That happens when
children enjoy reading. We parents can do for reading what fast food chains do
for hamburgers…ADVERTISE! And we advertise by reading great stories and poems
to children.
We can help our children find the tools they need to succeed
in life. Having access to information through the printed word is an absolute
necessity. Knowledge is power, and books are full of it. But reading is more
than just a practical tool. Through books we can enrich our minds; we can also
relax and enjoy some precious leisure moments.
With your help, as your children begin a lifelong
relationship with the printed word, they can grow into adults who read easily
and frequently whether for business, knowledge, or pleasure.
Authors: Bernice Cullinan and Brod Bagert.
Source: U.S. Department of Education.
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