Early Reader
How to Raise an Early Reader
Every parent wants the best for their child – whether it’s what we’re able to give the child or the type of education we can provide for our children. This is equally true for the start we give our children when it comes to reading. As an avid reader, I want to share the joy of reading with children.
Studies have shown that children who learn to read at an earlier age have an easier time in school, and are twice as likely to complete levels of higher education than those who struggle to learn at a later age. Here are some of the best things you can do to help your child become an early reader – giving them a head start on school and in life:
Start with Your New Baby
Start reading to your baby and display brightly colored flash cards which have the letters of the alphabet on them.
It’s even been proven that using one of the many popular phonics learning programs available to teach (verbally) phonics to your baby can help them to better recognize letters and words later on.
Read to Your Child
Although you’ve probably been told many times, it’s important that you understand the impact of you reading to your child will have on them becoming an early reader. A child to whom books are read to at least once a day is twice as likely to become an early reader, than those who are read to less often.
When reading to your child, also teach the child how to follow along with the words as you read by placing your finger under each word when you read it. However, when you do this, it is important that you take the time to sound out each word as you don’t want your child to learn to read by memorizing only.
Read Consistently to Your Child
You have to be consistent if you want to raise an early reader! Reading to your child only occasionally, or sounding out words infrequently, won’t give them the foundation they need to become early readers. You absolutely have to have a consistent reading program with your children if you want them to learn young.
Make Reading Fun for Your Child
Most importantly, if you want to raise an early reader – make sure your child has fun. A child who is forced to read, or forced to read things they don’t find interesting will rebel. Help your child to choose an interesting and fun book. Set a good example by showing your children how much you enjoy reading.
Overall,
Raising an early reader isn’t nearly as difficult as many people would have you believe. Start reading to your child when she is still a baby, read regularly and remember reading should be fun. Use reading time as a special time between you and your child and you’ll find that raising your child to be an early reader is easier than you ever could have imagined!
