Reading together with your child every day can have a lasting postive effect on their educational success.  Take a look at the image to see the result!  Read below for tips on how do this effectively.

Quick Tips for Reading with Your Child at Home

J  First help your child pick out a book that is closest to their reading level.

J  Before reading the book, do a picture walk and have your child predict what the story might be about.

J  Next, have your child begin reading the book to you.If they are having a lot of difficulty, read the book to them.You may need to do this several times as repetition is very important.

J  When reading with your child, read with lots of expression. Try changing your voice for the different characters. This makes reading more fun and enjoyable.

J  Take turns reading the book with your child. (Ex. You read a page, they read a page.)

J  If your child continues to read well but is having problems comprehending, they may need shorter, easier books for practice.Children often concentrate so hard on reading the words that they forget to pay attention to what is happening in the story.

J  Set aside a special time for reading everyday and try to stick to it.Children like routine. (Just before bedtime is usually a good time because it is usually the easiest to stick to and a great way to help them wind down!)

J  Visit the library often!  It's free!

J  Always encourage reading by making it fun!!

Possible questions to ask your child

BEFORE, DURING and AFTER reading 

When and where does the story take place?

Describe what happened at…

Tell why…

How does the story end?

What is the problem in the story?

How was the problem in the story solved?

How is ____alike or different from ____?

How did the main character feel at the beginning of the story?  At the end?

In your own words tell____?

What do you think could happen next?

Explain why the story has the title it has.

What would you do if you could go where the story takes place?

What would your mother do if she was in the story?

Which events in the story could have really happened?

What part of the story was funniest? Saddest? Most exciting?

What would happen if?

If you were _____, how would you have_____?

How else could the story have ended?

Is the main character good or bad?  Explain your answer.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?  Why or why not?