Many of the students who come to me for tutoring are behind several years in reading. Most of them have learning disabilities, which makes learning to read, spell and write with typical programs difficult. It is important to match up the right methods for teaching reading with each student, taking into consideration their individual needs. But there is one thing that parents can do right away that will make a difference, now and in the future: that is, read with your child each night for 20 minutes a night.

Five nights a week, pull out a good book. Find a comfortable spot, and read with your child. If he is able, encourage him to read aloud to you. If you need to help him out with some of the words, do so to help him read as fluently and enjoyably as possible. Consider this practice time. His reading speed and comprehension will improve with repetition, and you will be reinforcing the skills that he learns in reading class.

If your child is receiving remedial help with reading, and the book chosen is above your student's current reading level, read aloud to your child. Please don't hesitate to do this. In my experience, no child is too old to be read to! Even my teens, who have no reading difficulties, like a good read aloud. Just like a good story told around a campfire, hearing a book read aloud is an enjoyable experience. You will be modeling good reading practices to your child, and reinforcing that reading can be a pleasurable thing.

Whether your child reads the book or you read aloud, the stories will help students improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and increase their background knowledge of many topics.

So take that 20 minutes a day to read with your child. It's an important step on your student's path to literacy. Set aside the time, and your child will reap the benefits.


Here are some related articles, with additional ideas on making reading with your child enjoyable:

Six Ways to Help Your Kids Look Forward to Reading Every Day
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17101.asp

Reading Aloud to Children
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art41448.asp