Tips on How to Read a Story With Your Child

Tips on How to Read a Story With Your Child

1. Read the introduction at the beginning of the book aloud. Look through the pictures together (picture walk) so that your child can see what happens in the story before reading the words.

2. Read the first page to your child, placing your finger under each word.

3. Let your child touch the words and read the rest of the story. Give him or her time to figure out each new word.

4. As your child reads have him or her slide their finger under each word to flow the sweep of the text.

5. If your child gets stuck on a word you might say, “Try something. Look at the picture give about what’s happening. What would make sense?”

6. If your child is still stuck supply the right word. This will allow him or her to continue to read and enjoy the story. You might say, “Could this be “ball”?”

7. Always praise your child. Praise what he or she reads correctly, and praise good tries too!

8. “Wow!” You were able to stretch out that word.”

9. “Yes, that’s one of your sight words from your homework folder!”

10. “I like the way you took time to think about the word, connecting it to what happening in the picture!”

11. “Great job figuring out that word. That’s what good readers do!”

12. Give your child lots of chances to read the story again and again. This is the key to successful reading. It is called fluency. The more your child reads, the more confident he or she will become.