How Can I Help My Child Improve Their Reading Skills and Vocabulary?

The answer isn't as hard as you think. Not surprisingly, the answer is simple, just read. A good rule of thumb is to spend twenty minutes reading with your child, and a great time to do it is right before bedtime. Not only is it a great way for the two of you to bond, it's also a great way for you and your child to wind down from a busy and stressful day.
The key for a fun and effective session lies in choosing the right reading level. If the book is too hard, your little one may shut off and become frustrated. If it's too easy, your youngster might become distracted and lose interest. Your child's teacher or local librarian can be a great source of information if you need guidance in selecting age-appropriate material.
As you are engaging in a reading activity, don't feel that it is necessary for your child to do all the reading by him or herself. You too can participate by reading to them aloud, or even better, why not take turns and read every other paragraph and the difficult words? Reading every other page is also a good way to keep them engaged. The goal should always be to make reading time a fun and relaxing activity. Many beginners do not feel confident or comfortable with their reading and tend to want to quit earl, so try to be supportive and encourage your youngster, and offer them a great deal of spoken praise. This small gesture can go a long way.
A fellow colleague described the process of learning to read with an amusing analogy, comparing learning to read with learning how to drive a car. It goes something like this: When we initially learn to drive a car, we have blinders on and are only focused with the road ahead, and we are also a bit jittery and unsure. Then as we get comfortable at the wheel we start to play around with the knobs on the dash and radio. As time goes by we begin to go from point A to Point B without realizing how we got there, and then we find ourselves driving in the rain, talking with our friend in the passenger seat.
As they are taking their first reading steps children go through something similar. At first they are tense and irritated and don't have much self-confidence in their abilities. But when they start to find their comfort zone with reading and the words begin to leap out of the page, you will notice their confidence begin to grow and they are delighted to read.
To recap, remember to make the reading sessions fun. Make sound effects, ask questions, switch out different words, and use different voices for different characters. Don't lose track of the fact that this is a unique bonding time between you and your child, one that they will value and anticipate excitedly every night.
Visit our Super Readers site for more articles and information if you are interested in vocabulary measured books and activities to help your child with reading. Need an app created? Our developer is just getting started but they have some great ideas!