High Five!

5 Tips to Get Your Child Reading

When I was teaching, parents would often come to me frantic because they didn’t know how to teach their child. They would always tell me that since I was already a teacher that teaching my kids gave me an upper hand. I hate to break it to ya! That’s not always the case. What teaching does as far as pedagogy is concern is it allows us to understand development, behaviors, learning, when it comes to all children. A parent has to be concerned with their own. That’s really the only difference. Just like you learn your child(ren)’s personality, if you work with them, you learn their learning styles too. So teaching them doesn’t require a whole bunch of degrees or certificates. It’s really more simple than you realize. Now, I understand behavior disorders, learning delays, special needs, etc. If your child falls into that category then, yes, you would want to bring in a specialist that can help you help your child. I get it. You can teach your child! Listen if your child knows every word to a Beyonce’ song, they can learn anything! So here are 5 tips to help get your child reading:

1. Repetition. As annoying as it is, read the same book over and over. Yes, it is a nightmare BUT it really does pay off! Your child will begin to memorize the book which starts the beginning stages of early reading. Even if they aren’t “reading” they are learning, taking in language and in some cases they may pick up a few sight words.
2. Start early! In the womb, if you’re expecting. Read and sing songs to your child everyday. That stimulates the brain and starts the beginning of language. Even listening to classical music is a plus! Studies have shown great benefits to starting early. The earlier, the better!!! SN: Please do not wait until the child enters school. Playing catch up is very stressful on the child and will be frustrating for you.
3. Create games in the car. I get it. Being on those tablets and watching movies make for a very peaceful car ride, but use this time to create games. If you have multiple children have them race to see who can read the street signs or restaurant signs. Environmental print plays a role in reading.
4. Go to the library. I know Google is our best friend, but so is the library. Your nearest library has programs that your children could get involved in to keep them excited about reading. Most libraries now offer infant, toddler, preschool programs. If you can, take advantage of it because it’s FREE!!
5. Create space and time. Creating a reading space and making time to turn off technology and just reading has so many benefits! It doesn’t have to be long. If you have little ones, just 15 minutes (their attention spans will only last so long). Modeling that reading is important is so beneficial! Even with my own kids they are so much calmer when we take the time to stop and read.

I hope those tips help! Please understand that every child is different and that children develop differently, even in the same family. If you have any concerns or questions about development, please contact your pediatrician.

Wanna easy, simple play dough recipe?

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of corn syrup

1 cup of dry milk

Mix and enjoy!!!!