PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ARE CHILDREN'S FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT TEACHERS
AND READING IS A CHILD'S FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECT
You are your child's first and most important teacher. Ensuring that children read well, often and deeply is one of the best gifts that you can give a child. If a child struggles when learning to read, do not wait to begin intervention. For a consultation, call Letters are Characters at 860-482-7181. We can help you understand what is happening in school, help you interpret test scores, set up an at-home plan and more.
The greatest gift that you can give to children is time and attention.
The number one predictor of reading readiness and future reading success is that a child can recognize letters and say their sounds sometime during kindergarten. This is also known as breaking the phonemic or alphabetic code.
Reading to and with children develops a strong, solid bond and provides a framework to discuss important topics. Much of what we do as humans is generated from routines and habits. With that in mind, here are some reading habit tips that we hope you find helpful.
- Read to your children even when they are babies. Very young babies love to hear the sound of familiar voices and absorb much that helps their developing brains. They also find tasting books really fun.
- Choose a special cozy reading spot at home. Create it as a family activity.
- Read every day at about the same time so that it becomes part of your routine.
- Have a weekly library day. Choose books together and talk about interests.
- When reading with your children, take the time to explain unfamiliar words.
- Use illustrations as a way to talk about the story.
- As your children questions to check their comprehension during reading. For example: “What do you think the character is feeling now?” (Did you know that reading increases empathy?) “What do you think will happen next?” “What are you picturing when I read this sentence/paragraph?”
- Make your time fun. Kids learn best when they are relaxed and playing.
- If your child loses interest, refocus by gently asking your child to find something on the page or choose another book.
If we read to our children they will:
- Do better in school
- Be more empathetic
- Be happier
- Develop stronger bonds with you
- Develop imagination and creativity
- Have improved language skills
- Be better at thinking, understanding, reasoning and problem-solving
- Have a framework to talk about tough issues
- Be more likely to read for fun.
Reading Facts & Literacy Resources
#1 – Reading happens in the brain and is a neurological process. Its’ acquisition is independent of intelligence. We need to wire our brains to read and some children need more repetition of science-based methods than others.
#2 – All Children learn best from explicit instruction about letter shapes and sounds. Phonemic awareness and phonics is important for all children and essential for more than 20%.
#3-The best time for early intervention is age 5 and 6. If your child is having difficulty recognizing letter symbols and matching them to sounds, don’t wait. Begin intervention.
#4 - A parent knows their child best. An involved parent can make all of the difference for a child who is struggling to read.
Have questions about reading acquisition/dyslexia? We have resources to help.
