Beginning Reading

When children are young they love to listen to stories.  But did you know that experts tell us children need to hear a thousand stories read aloud before they begin to learn to read for themselves.  Reading aloud to your children is the most powerful teaching that you can do, so please don’t stop now they are at school.  There is no doubt that reading aloud teaches.  So make a regular time for reading each day.  Snuggle up on a big chair, couch or bed and enjoy that special reading time with your children. What to read? Young children love stories with repetition and rhyme.  But don’t just restrict your child’s reading materials to only books.  Provide the chance to read other types of reading material such as: Magazines Comics Newspapers Poetry Maps Instructions for games Cooking Recipes Picture books Children need to see that reading is a positive and enjoyable experience and that there is a purpose for reading.  They need to see it as an important part of your life as well, so it is good for them to see you reading the paper, magazines, recipes, instructions and information. When your prep children bring home books to share with you it is important to take the time to: Talk about the font cover and the title Predict what the book will be about Look through and discuss the picture before reading. There are three ways to share reading time. You read to the child The child reads to you You read with your child, giving the support to build confidence. Enjoy and encourage all early attempts at reading.  Children need lots of experience before they can read and write like adults.  The recipe for success is lots of fun, praise and a genuine interest.