Reading to your child is an integral part of creating a reading culture at home. Take some time to talk to your child about the story and ask them questions; try pausing before a page turn and asking your child what they think will happen next. After the story, discuss what was read. What does the child think would have happened if one of the characters acted differently and the plot changed? Engaging in conversations around reading helps children understand the elements of a story and helps develop their comprehension skills!

There’s often a misconception that reading has to be a child reading from a book. This is often a misstep that leads to frustration for both the parent and the child. Instead, there are a lot of foundational skills and ways to practice those skills that don’t involve physical books. Some ideas are:

-focusing on phonics using nursery rhymes and songs

-talking about text and asking children to identify letters or words they recognize outside of the home (reading store signs, playing the alphabet game on the highway, etc.)

-take learning outside. Children are often tactile learners, and drawing letters or words in the sand or on the sidewalk is a great way to engage your child in non-traditional forms of learning

Like a reading dialogue, shared reading engages your child while reading books at home. Having them follow along with their finger or asking a child to repeat a sentence you just read actively engages them in story time. This enables them to begin placing sounds to the words on the paper. Popcorn reading at home is a great way to reinforce shared reading for older children or children who are advancing quickly. Finally, practicing shared reading on books you have read several times can be a great way to build a child's confidence around reading and strengthen their fluency.

Reading can be a sensitive or challenging topic for children that are struggling. There can be many benefits to keeping reading sessions short and sweet to prevent overworking children or prolonging a frustrated child. Also, practicing with a child who is tired or having a rough day should be avoided in most cases because the goal is for practicing reading to be a positive experience. Focusing on making each reading experience a positive one will help keep children confident and progressing rather than creating frustration and a poor attitude towards reading. 

It's important to remember that teaching a child to read is more a marathon than a sprint. Positive reinforcement, confidence-building, and engagement will be critical on a parent's journey to support their learner.

Club Z! Tutoring of Glenbrook specializes in providing individualized, in-home, and virtual tutoring for students K-12 in Northbrook and Glenview. We also work with students to complete the college application process. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com. You can also reach us at 847-440-3440 and by visiting clubztutoringglenbrook.com.