Teaching your child to read seems like a daunting process.
“Where do I even begin?”
As a kindergarten teacher, this is the question I get asked the MOST by parents.
It’s a great question. Parents shouldn’t be expected to know where their child should begin in the reading process.
If you didn’t go to college to teach kids how to read, how in the world would you know where to start?!?
Even teachers who teach higher grades often struggle with this because they weren’t trained on how to teach reading.
Teaching reading isn’t something we just know how to do.
In an effort to help parents out during this crazy distance learning time, I’m teaching you my top 5 tips to teach reading at home!
1. Print a downloadable book
Print a downloadable book preferably in color ink. Reading A to Z is a great resource. Ask your child's teacher for some books to print. Their teacher will be most knowledgeable on what level is appropriate. You can also find books online on websites like Teachers Pay Teachers or Raz-Kids. If you need help finding resources, I am here for YOU! Send me an email and I am happy to help!
2. Put the book together
After you have printed the book, you will need to cut the pages or fold to put together. Print the pages 1-sided so you won't have any issues! Books that are horizontal are typically books you will cut. Vertical books are normally folded. You will need a stapler to bind the book on the side.
3. Place a dot under each word
Have your child choose their favorite marker or crayon. Place a dot under each word. This allows the reader to tap their finger on the dot while they are reading. Using their finger to track each word is a powerful way to learn how to read.
4. Picture Walk
Starting on the cover page, have your child tell you what they see on each picture. The purpose of a picture walk is to familiarize the child with what they will see in the book and to practice making predictions. Your role is to ask questions.
-What is happening on this page?
-What do you think will happen next?
-Why is the character doing that?
5. Read the Story
Once you've made the reading dots under each word and done a picture walk, you are ready to read. Do your best to let the child read and sound out words. Only help when they reach frustration level. Things you can say to encourage:
-What sound does that first letter make?
-Try that word again.
-Read the sentence again to see if it makes sense.
Learning to read is a HUGE milestone!
Let me know what works and doesn’t work for all you brave parent warriors out there in the comments below!