TEN THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN READ BETTER
1. READ TO YOUR CHILD. Preferably every day, from ages 1 to 12. Read from a wide variety of materials: classics and contemporary; fact and fiction.
2. ENCOURAGE WRITING. Encourage scribbling and pretend writing. Write letters and stories. Have writingmaterials available: crayons, pens, computers. .
3. HAVE READING MATERIAL AT HOME. Have a variety of books, children's magazines, adult magazines for entertainment and information. Make sure some are easy to read.
4. GET YOUR CHILD A LIBRARY CARD. Exchange books weekly.
5. ENCOURAGE CONVERSATION. Talk about animals, family problems, the world, and their reading.
6. CONTROL TV. It must not be on all the time. Have silent periods for reading. Watch some good shows about books, science, major events.
7. MODEL READING. Read yourself and let the child see you. Read books and newspapers on a regular basis.
8. HAVE YOUR CHILD READ ALOUD. Have your child read aloud to you and with other children. Help with mistakes, and if the child makes many mistakes, exchange the book for an easier one.
9. DO MANY INFORMAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITES. Visit zoos, museums, different places. Have your child cook, construct, and observe carefully. Don't omit games and exercises.
10. VALUE SCHOOL AND LEARNING. Visit your child’s class. Talk to the teacher about reading progress. Praise academic achievement.