Practicing Reading at Home

* Practice is key to becoming a skilled reader.

* Expose your child to decodable books that are fun and easy to read. (See Booklist)

* It is OK to read the same book several times- this helps increase fluency.

* Reading aloud consistently at least 4 - 5 days per week, even if for only short periods of time 

This is more important than the length of time spent reading each day.

* Reading frequently, especially aloud, will improve your child's reading skills and that will encourage them to want to read for longer periods of time.

* Read your child poems and stories that rhyme.  It is important for them to develop an awareness of rhyme.

* Magazines provide inviting bit-sized reading material for every age and interest.  children are motivated to read material of genuine interest. They will also love magazines that arrive in their names!! Try: Ladybug, Spider and Cricket at www.cricketmagazine.com or Ranger Rick from the NationalWildlife Federation or www.nwf.org.  Also, Time for Kids at www.timeforkids.com and Sports Illustrated for Kids at www.SIKIDS.com .  Pick the one your child will enjoy the most. 

* Remember that encouragement increases effort and successful efforts build confidence.