Reading tips for parents of kindergarten-age children at home
It’s never too early to start learning to read. Research shows that it’s much easier to develop children’s reading skills by making reading a fun experience.
Here are some tips for creating a positive reading environment in kindergarten or at home.
- Understanding when children are ready to learn to read
- Creating routines for reading
- Selecting the right books
- Building confidence in reading
- Overview
Understanding when children are ready to learn to read
Children learn to read at different rates and in different ways. Some children are ready to read earlier than others, and some children learn best through visual aids.
As a parent, it’s important to be patient and supportive and adapt to your child’s needs.
Creating routines for reading
It’s important to establish a routine when teaching your child to read. This can involve reading at the same time every day or reading for a certain number of minutes daily.
A routine helps children know what to expect, which helps them focus and learn more effectively.
Selecting the right books
Children learn best when they’re interested in the material, so try to choose books that they enjoy or find fascinating.
Ask them what they want to learn or if they have a particular interest, such as dinosaurs or airplanes. Classical fables and fairy-tales are often a good place to start.
For younger children, start with stories that have simple words, concrete ideas, and imaginative illustrations.
Another good way to choose engaging reading material is to seek recommendations from teachers, friends, library staff, or booksellers.
Engaging reluctant readers in the reading process can be a challenge, but don’t give up.
Once you find something that piques children’s interest, it can be easier to encourage them to engage in the reading process.
Building confidence in reading
Building children’s confidence is one of the best strategies when teaching them to read.
Don’t forget positive reinforcement – reward them for their achievements with a high-five or a sticker!
Positive reinforcement helps children build their confidence and feel that they are progressing, which increases their desire to continue learning.
Overview
How do you make sure to create a positive reading environment and a fun experience when it’s reading time?
- Start by reading aloud. This is a great way to introduce them to the world of reading, and it can help improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Get the children involved in the reading process. Let them choose the books they want to read. This will make reading more enjoyable for them and help improve their reading skills.
- Diversify the reading material. Make reading a fun and interactive experience with different types of reading materials, such as digital books or comic books.
