Reading is essential to success in school and later in life. When you can read well, you can accomplish your goals easier. Helping your child discover a love for reading and having the ability to read well is not as hard as you may think.
There are several reasons why your child may not like to read. They may not find it interesting, or they may not see anyone else reading, so they think it is not fun. Your child may be struggling with reading comprehension because they are reading above or below their level, which makes them less inclined to read. Whatever the reason for their lack of interest in reading, there are three things a parent can do to help improve reading skills and the love of reading.
1- Help Your Child Get Their First Library Card
The library is a wonderful place to take your child. Helping them get their first library card has multiple benefits. Having a library card gives them responsibility for checking out books they want and returning them on time. This is a valuable lesson. It also provides them with a chance to explore so many different types of books.
Many children do not like to read because they have not found a subject or style of reading that they like. When they explore the library, they can find everything from adventures to recipe books for children their age. Yes, even recipe books can be a great way to encourage your child to read.
Since checking out books at the library is free, your child can look through many different types of books until they find a style or subject they like. Additionally, there are many different events and programs that take place at the library that your child can enjoy. These events can help make going to the library fun because your child can enjoy more things than just checking out books when they go.
2 – Lead By Example
If your child sees you reading for entertainment or relaxation, they will want to copy your actions. You can even take this one step further and set a time when you can read together. During this special time, you can read to each other, cuddle up and read separately yet be together, or make it a special time where you have a snack and spend time together.
When your child sees you enjoying reading or reading with them, they will associate this with a good feeling. This is one of the best ways that you can help your child learn to read.
3- Work With A Reading Tutor
If your child is struggling with reading despite your help, it may be beneficial to use the services of a reading tutor. A tutor can help your child enhance their reading skills and comprehension through different teaching techniques. It is like having a teacher but with one-on-one attention. Some children find this very beneficial and respond to a tutor’s help more than their teacher’s help in school.