READ TO ME

It's important to read to your children, but equally important to listen to them read to you. Children thrive on having someone appreciate their developing skills.

What you'll need

Books at your child's reading level

What to do

1. Listen attentively as your child reads.

2. Take turns. You read a paragraph and have your child read the next one. As your child becomes more at ease with reading aloud, take turns reading a full page. Keep in mind that your child may be focusing on how to read, and your reading helps to keep the story alive.


3. If your children have trouble reading words, you can help in several ways.

* Tell them to skip over the word, read the rest of the sentence, and ask what word would make sense in the story.

* Help them use what they know about letters and sounds.

* Supply the correct word.

4. Tell children how proud you are of their efforts and skills.

Listening to your children read aloud provides opportunities for you to express appreciation of their new skills and for them to practice their reading. Most importantly, it's another way to enjoy reading together.