5 Strategies for Successful reading

Everyone knows that reading is very important, but do we ever ask ourselves why it is so important? One reason is that it boosts creativity and imagination. Another is that it exposes one to new things. These two things come about as the result of one consistently using multiple, effective reading strategies. Here are 5 strategies in addition to reading to them everyday that will help your child become a successful reader.

1. Always read with expression.  Bring out the magic of the story by reading with expression. Scream if it reads "Scream!". It will be fun for you and your child. By doing this, you will also model appropriate reading for your child.

2. Play sound and word games with them.  Use activities and play games that focus on where sounds are located in words. "What is the first sound in dog?  What is the last sound in top ?"  This will help increase your child's to distinguish and recognize sounds.

3. Ask your child questions about the story as you read. Don't wait until you have finished the story to start asking questions. Checking for understanding and seeing if they are making connections while you read are very important skills to asses. If you are having difficulty thinking of questions, you can always use (who, what, where, when, how and why). These work well with emerging readers, but questions that require more thought should be used for older children (7 and up).

4. Make attempts to connect stories to your child's life experiences. One of the most effective ways for a child to be genuinely engaged in/enjoy a story is when it directly relates to pleasant memories of theirs.

5. Spend time visiting the library.  Help your child truly understand the value in reading while also having some bonding time. If the library is close to your home, walk to it!

" The more that you read
  The more things you will know.
  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

                                                               ~Dr. Suess

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