Teaching your child to read using children's books is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get the experience of watching her move from singing her ABC's to reading printed words, but you can also encourage and develop her love of literature. Strong reading skills will help your child in all of her school subjects, from math to history. Whether she has started formal school or not, develop a plan to teach her to read using children's books and stories.
Step 1
Assess your child's familiarity with letter sounds by showing her letters in an alphabet picture book. Choose a book that lists one letter on a page with corresponding pictures whose sound begins with that letter. Help her pronounce the name of the letter and the sound the letter makes. Say "A" makes the "a" sound like apple. Ask her to repeat the sound to you. Continue this until she is comfortable.
Step 2
Select predictable books that have plenty of repetitious phrases, rhyming patterns and familiar topics, instructs Mark Thogmartini, Ph.D., author of the book, "Teach a Child to Read with Children's Books." Look for books in which the story builds on itself, such as "The Little Red Hen." This building and repetition helps you child remember words and phrases. Thogmartini recommends incorporating phonics instruction within the books you choose.
Step 3
Set aside definite times to work with your child, but remember to read aloud to him whenever you have the opportunity. Reading is Fundamental recommends telling your child that the words in the book are the written form of your spoken words and occur in a predetermined order. Explain to your child that he should read from left to right. Slide your finger under the words to reinforce the concept.
Step 4
Ask your child to fill in the missing word as you read a familiar book. Read a sentence and stop before the word you want her to say. Ask her to sound out the word with you. Repeat throughout the book. Continue adding more words, stressing phonetical awareness and understanding of sight words. Do not let her struggle to sound out the words, as that may cause her frustration. Tell her the word and then continue.
Step 5
Increase the complexity of the books you present to your child. Introduce Dr. Seuss books, books with limited vocabularies and books in a series. Begin each session reviewing the new words in the book. Show him the new words and help him sound out the words. Read the book together, pointing out the new vocabulary words as they appear in the text.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage your child to pretend to read before he is able to read actual words. Let your child read to other family members. Never lose your patience or berate your child during a reading sessions. Reinforce words and sounds she learns by pointing out those words on billboards or in the newspaper. Show your child that you enjoy reading.
- Be alert to visual or auditory disabilities.
Things You'll Need
- Alphabet picture book
- Children's books
- Dr. Seuss books
References
- "Teach a Child to Read With Children's Books"; Mark B. Thogmartin, Ph.D.; 2008
- Reading is Fundamental: Tips for Reading Aloud With Preschoolers
- Dyslexia Online Magazine: Hearing Your Child Read
- PBS Parents: Reading Milestones
