Assisting your child in the development of their reading skills

Here are four simple steps to help your child become a confident and successful Reader

Although there are considerable challenges facing families, you can adopt low-effort, high-impact steps to help your child/children become strong and engaged readers. If possible, parents could:

• Get on their level! Books are like Goldilocks’ porridge—too easy and kids get bored; too advanced and they get frustrated and give up. Ask your child’s teacher what your child’s reading capabilities are, and make sure he or she has books at a level that is just right.
• Schedule for success. Help kids build good reading habits by setting aside at least 15 minutes every day to read together. Encourage independent readers to read on their own for that long—and reward them when they do!
• Take them on a book treasure-hunt. Help children discover their next favourite book by visiting your local library. Encourage them to find books on the subjects they’re interested in, or ask the librarian to recommend titles that will keep their attention. Digital libraries are a great way to get books anytime and anywhere, and some can be easily searched by topic. Remember we have access to Reading Eggs and Epic books. See your child's class teacher if you cannot gain access to these sites. 
• Help them explore the world of words. Books aren’t the only thing we read. Create a print-rich home by labelling objects around the house. Create a word wall where kids can see the connection between objects and their written names. By showing your kids the letters in their life, you can help them begin to decode the world around them.

By working together to overcome challenges in reading, families and teachers can help close the reading gap and improve educational outcomes for every child. 

Please come and see myself or your child's teacher if you have any concerns regarding your child and the development of their reading skills.