Read
Early
The years from birth to age 8 are the most important period of literacy
development. Experts suggest that parents share reading with their child
beginning in the first weeks and months of life. Reading aloud and using
interactive language are the most important activities that build a
foundation of literacy.
Read
Often
Reading stimulates brain development in important ways, yet 50 percent
of infants and toddlers are rarely read to. Experts suggest 20 minutes every
day.
Read Over And Over Again
Children
learn something new every time they experience a book: new vocabulary, a
different character, new meaning from the plot. It often takes at least four
readings for a child to master the subject matter. Practice with the same
book also increases fluency, an important reading skill.
Showcase Books At Home
Homes where books are present familiarize children with the purpose of
books and the way to use them. Surround a child with books—in his or her
bedroom, the bathroom, family room and kitchen.
Model Reading
Let your child catch you reading. Read the mail, newspapers, and
recipes out loud so that your child knows that reading is a useful skill—one
that the child will need.
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Make
Reading A Family Value
As President and Mrs. Bush suggest, put reading first—before TV and sports
activities. Instead of a night out at the movies, have a family night in
with a good storybook. Read a chapter a night before dinner. Visit the
library as often as you do the park.
Build
A Vocabulary of 13
New Words A Day.
From kindergarten up, children need to learn about 5,000 words a year,
that's 13 words a day! They need everyday words and academic words that will
help them comprehend science, math, history, and geography. Books are the
best vocabulary builders. To add variety, make sure your child has
non-fiction and fiction choices.
Steal Reading Time From TV
The typical television show uses a vocabulary list of about 400 simple
words. That doesn't provide the rich vocabulary children need for school. If
you have a little couch potato, compromise. Read before the TV goes on or
even during commercial breaks.
Make Reading Fun
A parent's job is to make reading so enjoyable that a child will want to
read all life long. Make it a warm, shared experience that connects love and
learning. Parents provide the cozy lap, the good book and the attention |
