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How to Help Your Child Learn to Read
Reading Tips
Set aside time every day to read together. Reading at bedtime is a wonderful way to get ready for sleep.
Leave books in your children's rooms for them to enjoy on their own.
Read books your child enjoys. Your child may learn the words to a favorite book. Then, let your child complete the sentences, or take turns saying the words.
Try to avoid drilling your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes, or words. Instead, make a game of it.
Read Aloud with Your Child
Reading aloud is one of the best ways to help your child learn to read.
The more excited you act when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it.
Use funny voices and animal noises!
Birth to Age 1
Play with your baby often. Talk, sing, and say rhymes. This helps your baby learn to talk.
Make eye contact while you talk to your baby frequently.
Give your baby time to answer in baby talk.
Give your baby sturdy board books to look at.
Look at picture books with your baby and name things. Say “See the baby!” or “Look at the puppy!”
Babies like board books with pictures of babies and everyday objects like balls and blocks.
Snuggle with your baby on your lap and read aloud. Your baby may not understand the story but will love the sound of your voice and being close to you.
Show your child how things in the book are like things in your child's life.
Try to avoid using your television to entertain your child.
1 to 3 Years of Age
Read to your child every day. Let your child pick the book, even if it is the same one again and again!
Younger toddlers (1 to 2 years of age) like board books with pictures of children doing everyday things (like eating and playing). They also like “goodnight” books and books with rhymes.
They may prefer books with only a few words on each page from ages 1 to 2 years old.
Older toddlers (2 to 3 years of age) like board books and books with paper pages. They love books with rhymes and words that are repeated.
Let your child “read” to you by naming things in the book or making up a story.
Take your child to the library. Celebrate your child by getting a library card!
Keep talking, singing, saying rhymes, and playing with your child.
Show your child how things in the book are like things in your child's life.
Try to avoid using the television to entertain your child.
3 to 5 Years of Age
Read ABC books with your child. Point out letters as you read.
Preschool children like books that tell stories. They also love counting books, alphabet books, and word books. Like toddlers, they love books with rhymes and words they can learn by heart.
Help your child recognize whole words as well as letters. Point out things like letters on a stop sign or the name of a favorite store.
Ask your child questions about the pictures and story. Invite them to make up a story about what is in the book.
Limit TV time to 1 or 2 hours per day. Avoid violent shows and movies. Try to stick to educational shows and sit with your child while they watch to talk about what they are learning.
Give your child lots of chances to use written words. Write shopping lists together. Write letters to friends or family.
Look at the pictures. Ask your child to name things in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures go with the story. Ask what is happening in the story.
Invite your child to join in when a line is repeated.
Show your child how things in the book are like things in your child's life.
If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. Books can help children express their thoughts and solve problems.
Keep reading to your child even after they learn to read. Children can listen and understand more complex stories than they can read on their own.
Listen to Your Child Read Aloud
Once your child starts reading, have them read aloud. Take turns reading.
Help your child with words as needed. But let your child sound out words if they want to.
Know when your child has had enough. It is helpful to stop when they are frustrated or ready to stop.
Most of all, give lots of praise! You are your child's first and most important teacher!
Related Article: Reading, the Road to Success
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials. Reviewed by: TT DO | 05/2024