READING WITH YOUR CHILD

Reading with your child is not only a fun activity, it is also a way to build better literacy skills for your child. By reading with your child, you are showing them that reading is a valuable activity. It can also be a fun alternative to television or video games. Your child will enjoy the time you cuddle on the couch and share a good book. Many of our teachers ask for reading time each night. They do so because they know the value of independent reading. It allows children time to practice. Some of that time can be you reading to them, modeling the fluency.

Here are some tips for reading with your child.

• Have your child read a book to you.
• You choose one of your favorite books from your childhood and read to your child.
• Take turns reading each page.
• As you read, track the print to help your child follow along with the words.
• Discuss the pictures in the book and how they relate to the words.
• Talk about the characters and who they remind you of.
• Discuss the plot of the book. What was the problem and how did they solve it?
• Re-read old favorites.
• After you are done reading, draw a picture about the story.
• Help your child write a different ending to the story.
• Use different voices when you read aloud to demonstrate expression of the characters.
• Visit your local library and choose books for future readings with your child.

Our library at Stride is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Stop by to visit with Ms. Ethelyn. Also, if you can donate books to the library. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child's reading, please feel free to contact me.

Monica Schraut

Reading Coach at Stride Academy