Every parent wants their children to have the best start possible in this life. That includes giving them things we didn’t have, and making sure they receive a good education. This is especially important when it comes to reading.
Studies have shown that children who learn to read at an earlier age have a better time in school. They also have a better chance of going to higher schools and getting better jobs. So if you want to help your child become an early reader, here are some of the best things you can do:
Start Young
There’s no harm in starting early when it comes to teaching your child to read. You can begin introducing them to reading as soon as they are born, through reading to them and using brightly colored alphabet flashcards.
Research has even shown that verbally teaching phonics to infants can help them better recognize letters and words later down the road. So why not get a head start?
Read to Them
It’s important to understand that reading to your child will have a positive impact on their ability to become an early reader. A child who is read to at least once a day is twice as likely to become an early reader than those who are read to less frequently.
When reading to your child, it’s also a good idea to place your finger under each word as you read it. This will help them learn to follow along with the words. However, when doing this, make sure to sound out each word as you read it; otherwise your child may learn to read by memorization only.
Be Consistent
Being consistent is key if you want to raise an early reader. You have to read to them frequently and regularly sound out words with them if you want them to maintain a solid foundation in reading. If you only read to your child every once in a while, or you only help them sound out words occasionally, they won’t learn as young as you want them to.
Make It Fun
If you want your child to enjoy reading from a young age, remember to keep things fun. Children who are forced to read, or who are made to read things they do not like, will quickly think that reading is a bad thing.
Instead, choose books that will capture your child’s interest, and involve them in the selection process. You can also make reading more fun by enjoying it yourself and setting a good example. And finally, don’t be too demanding that they learn – let them progress at their own pace.
When it comes to raising an early reader, it’s not as tough as people make it out to be. Remember that reading is meant to be enjoyable, and make it a bonding moment between you and your kiddo. With that in mind, you’ll find that raising your kid to be an early reader is much simpler than you initially thought.
