Not every parent will prefer to have their kids homeschooled and play an integral role in their education and development. But every loving parent knows that leaving their kids’ education solely in the hands of teachers may not be the best approach. That is especially true during a child’s first five years when they need all the help they can get at home to supplement their teachers’ efforts. During a child’s early years, reading helps them learn a lot about the world they live in, and their reading skills play a significant role in their academic development. So, how can a parent help improve their children’s reading skills at home? Here are a few tips.
Use games and technology
Children in today’s modern world develop a knack for technology very early. Several educators have learned how to incorporate technology and learning to promote fun while learning how to read. For parents that do not have laptops or tablets or are not interested in using technology to encourage reading, there are several games you can use instead. A game like Scrabble offers an entertaining way to improve your child’s spelling skills and vocabulary. In Scrabble, players start with words with 7 letters, which is a fun way to introduce your child to longer words, improve their vocabulary, and boost their reading skills.
Read together
Reading together with your child is another way to boost their love for reading and improve their reading skills. Depending on the age of your child, you can take turns reading out loud to each other. Not only does this help to increase your child’s appetite for reading, but it also makes them more confident readers. For older children, you can schedule family reading times where each member of the family reads silently. Doing this helps maintain a child’s interest in reading while giving the whale family a chance to spend time together.
Followup and praise
While playing your part at home, it is essential to follow up with your child’s performance in school. Give your child praise where it is due to encourage them and ensure that you keep track of their progress. Work hand-in-hand with the educator to determine your child’s struggles and the best way to help them.
Surround your child with reading materials
One way to increase your child’s interest in reading is by making books available to them at a very young age – it does not matter whether they can read or not. Children with a comprehensive collection of reading materials tend to develop a knack for reading very quickly. From colorful storybooks to appealing magazines, a child’s attention is focused on the book as they flip through the pages. Be sure to flood your home with reading materials – from your car to your bathroom. Make yourself available to them as much as possible when they pick up books. Doing this will give you the chance to explain the book’s content, feed their curiosity, and help them understand and pronounce certain words.
BY TECHIE MAMMA