• Tips for Parents:  Reading
    Books 
     
     
    Tip #1:  Model Reading for Pleasure and Utility
    Find books that you like and show your child that reading is fun.  Ask a friend, reference the New York Times best seller list, check Oprah's Book Club picks, ask the librarian or book store associate for finding good books.
     
    Show your child that reading is useful.  Model for them how to use coupons, a grocery list, the TV guide, bus schedules, mail, maps, or directions for cooking or fixing things.
     
    Tip #2:  Read to Your Child Every Day
    Why? 
      1.  Reading becomes a "regular" activity.
      2.  Interaction and discussion about the text is nurturing and motivating!
      3.  Reading improves vocabulary!
      4.  Reading aloud develops an internal sense of story (setting, characters, problem, events, resolution) which, in turn,  helps independent reading comprehension.
      5.  Reading aloud improves a child's background knowledge about topics, which, in turn, promotes independent reading comprehension.
    Kinds of texts to read to your child:     
        *  Rhymes
        *  Poems
        *  Picture Books
        *  Chapter Books
        *   Fiction and Non-fiction
        *  Newspaper and Magazine articles
     
     DON'T FORGET:              
    *  Sit close to your child.
    *  Read aloud with expression, different voices, and sound effects.
    *  Discuss the book in a friendly, nurturing way.
    *  Emphasize MEANING, not SKILL & DRILL.
    *  Enjoy the opportunity!
     
    Tip #3:  Ask Your Child to Read To You
    Have your child choose books that interest him.  Ask your child to choose books by his favorite author or series.  Maybe he can read something from a magazine, comic book or newspaper.
     
     
    Texts for Utility:                                  
    *  Store, traffic, and street signs
    *  Package labels
    *  Directions for crafts, recipes, and projects
    *  Shopping lists
    *  Newspaper and Magazine articles
     
     
    Tip #4:  Encourage Independent Reading
    Provide books, magazines, newspapers, and a comfortable, well-lit reading area.
     
    Create a home library - purchase books through book orders, buy books from the local bookstore, and encourage books and magazines as gifts.
     
    Make weekly visits to the public library.
     
    Have "Family Reading Time."
     
    Keep a book or two in your car or bag.  Pull it out for reading when your child is bored or waiting for something. 
     
     
    Tip #5:  Promote Reading Comprehension
    Discuss the text before, during, and after reading.
     
    Build vocabulary through talking and listening while reading.
     
    Build background knowledge by :  
    *  reading to your child.
    *  doing things with your child like going to the zoo, museums, concerts, and sports events.
    *  allowing time for your child to talk about experiences, building verbal skills and conceptual understanding.
    *  watching informative television shows with your child.