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Have you noticed your child is behind in reading or avoiding books? With so many children in a classroom, teachers often can't give individual attention to each child that needs it. So, it's up to the parents to help their child learn to enjoy reading.
The most important thing to remember is that reading is fun. If you show a child why they should read, they will be more inclined to try than if you simply tell them they have to. The best way to do this is to read to them long before school starts. When your son or daughter has enjoyed the stories written in a book, they will want to read their own.
Scavenger Hunts
Make a list of simple words for objects that can be found in a local park or around your house or yard. Some ideas might be rock, grass, bug, twig, dog, dirt, etc. Choose words that your child won't have too much trouble with. Throw in a couple of longer, more challenging words, but make sure they can all be sounded out if needs be.
Now, give the list to your child and let them have plenty of time to figure out the words and find the objects. Give a prize (such as a candy per word, or points toward a larger prize) for the words they can get. If your child is getting too frustrated, it's fine to help them sound out the word, but stifle the urge to read for them.
Take Turns
Reading a book can be quite the chore when you have to sound out every word. Choose a fairly simple, but entertaining book, Dr. Suess has lots of good ones, and sit down with your reluctant reader. To keep him from getting too weary, offer to read one page and let him read the next, then you take the next, etc. You'll get through the book much more quickly and the storyline will be easier for the child to follow.
For children who are having an especially difficult time of it, offer this solution, they read all the words that are three (or four) letters in length and you'll read the rest. Run your finger along the type as you read so he can see which words you are reading.
Make a Book
Writing is really practise in reading. So, encourage your child to write by making a book together. It can be anything you please, from a decorated binder or duatang to a sheaf of lined paper stapled together. Allow your child to dictate the story to you and then they can copy it into the book, complete with illustrations.
Take Dictation
For the really reluctant reader, I've found that allowing them to make up stories without the lengthy process of writing can often spur them to try reading and writing. Don't correct them, just write everything exactly the way they tell you. Some children may need a little help to get started. Ask what the story is about, who is the main character and what is he doing? Soon your child will be describing an entire world to you!
Read
In order for a kid to really appreciate reading, he needs to realize why reading is fun. The best way to do this is to start reading to him. Choose a book suitable for your child's age group and spend a little time each day reading aloud. The pressure is off the child and he is free to listen to the story which will make him more receptive to the idea of reading himself.
Ice Cream Incentive
Choose an incentive that will please your child. I find ice cream works well, but if you would rather not use food as rewards, there are always trips to the zoo or swimming pool. Now, take a sheet of paper and write along one edge numbers one through ten. Each time your child reads a book, any book at all, on his own, write the title on the list. When he has read ten books, he is rewarded with the previously mentioned prize. I had one of my students go home and read four books over a weekend because she wanted to finish her list!
Make A List
Sit down with your child and make a list together of things that require reading skills. You could include things like reading game instructions, road signs, recipes, letters, tv guides, etc.
Bake Some Cookies
Find a reasonably simple recipe for cookies and copy it clearly onto a piece of paper. Your child reads the recipe, with help from you (chocolate is a big word!) and makes the cookies. This activity reinforces the idea that reading is a necessary skill and is lots of fun as well. You could also try making JELLO, or instant pudding.
Reading Clubs
Most libraries hold summer reading clubs where children earn various prizes depending on the number of books they read. This can be an excellant incentive for your son or daughter to start picking up some books.
Consider a Tutor
If you really don't feel up to the task, a tutor is a good option. They can give your child some one-on-one time and since they do this for a living, they know how to teach various skills. It's best to find someone that has experience in teaching reading and also that your child likes. Sometimes just a new face helps the whole situation.
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