7 Things You Can Do to Improve the Reading Skills of Your Kids

Reading is an important skill that every child must learn at some point in time. Around age 4 or 5 kids begin to know and understand the concept that letters combine to make words. This is the beginning of reading. While learning how to read comes easily and naturally for some, other children will struggle with the concept. Kids who struggle with the concept in hte beginning are often those who fall behind. Is your child struggling with reading skills? If so, it is important to help him improve his skills. The following are a few things you can do to help:

• Invest in a reading program. There are many high low reading programs available that have a proven track record of helping kids improve their reading skills. Research and find a program such as Hooked on Phonics that will guide you in helping your child improve his skills. Your child will be able to complete programs on his own with the help of a computer but the programs have proven most effective when the parent gets involved.
• Encourage your child to spend time reading daily. Your child’s reading skills will not improve unless he is practicing reading daily. Set a daily time for reading and do not allow it to be optional for your child. The more he or she reads, the better they will become. Even if it is just 15 minutes a day, any reading time will be beneficial in improving reading skills.
• Find unique ways to help encourage reading without your child realizing it. Children are often reluctant to practice reading if they know they must do it. You may be forced to find creative ways to help your child improve reading skills. Take any opportunity to help your  child learn how to read better. Have him read signs on the way to the grocery store and labels on the back of the boxes while in the store. There are many opportunities throughout the day that you can encourage your child to read. In return, reading skills will improve.
• Let your child choose his or her own reading material. What does your child like to read? Boring material or books can actually turn your child away from reading. If you are trying to develop reading skills, choose material that is interesting and fun for your child. Monthly magazine subscriptions are often very enjoyable for children and provide them with an extra opportunity to flex their reading muscles.
• Make sure your child recognizes common site words. Building reading skills begins with knowing the basics. If your child is struggling with the basics, it will be hard for him to improve. Make sure he has the basics down first. Flashcards with common site words are a great way to help your child better understand the basics before he or she moves on to the more difficult material.
• Read to your child and have your child read to you. Perhaps one of the greatest ways to improve reading skills is to read to your child. the more he sees and hears words the better he will become at reading them. Even if your child is older, take advantage of what reading to him can do in strengthening his skills.  It is also beneficial to allow him to read aloud to you. It is important to be patient during this time or can actually hinder learning if you are overbearing or cruel during the process. Understand that he will make mistakes and learning to read will take some time.
• Play games periodically. Board games that encourage your child to use reading skills are also great ways to help them learn to read better. Set up a family game night during the week and choose games that are geared specifically for reading. Your child can have fun while building reading skills without even realizing it.

If you rchild is struggling with reading, use the tips above to help him or her learn the reading skills that he or she needs to become an excellent reader. From reading programs to playing games, there are countless ways that you cna help your child develop reading skills. How will you help your child develop reading skills?

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