HELPING YOUR CHILD LEARN TO READ

Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This can be fun for you, too. The more excitement you show when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child set her own pace and have fun at whatever she is doing. Do the following when reading to your child:
Run your finger under the words as you read to show your child that the print carries the story.
Use funny voices and animal noises. Do not be afraid to ham it up! This will help your child get excited about the story.
Stop to look at the pictures; ask your child to name things she sees in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures relate to the story.
Invite your child to join in whenever there is a repeated phrase in the text.
Show your child how events in the book are similar to events in your child's life.
If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. The book may help your child express her thoughts and solve her own problems.
Keep reading to your child even after she learns to read. A child can listen and understand more difficult stories than she can read on her own.