5 Easy Steps to Help Your Child Learn to Read

Every child loves to feel like they are smart, intelligent, and a bright student. Just because they aren't learning to read as fast as you would like, doesn't mean they aren't smart. Many children sometimes take longer than others to really learn how to read. It is during these times that parents and the child need an extra dose of patience. It may take a while to learn, but reading is an achievable goal. There are times when it is more difficult for a child to learn to read.

The key is teaching a child to read is repetition. Often, no matter how badly you want something to happen, if you repeat it often, the child will learn. Just remember to have a big dose of patience!

Read 20 Minutes a Day

No matter what they read, the more your child reads out loud, the better. Your child can begin with simple readers. As they learn to read, they can move on in the hardness of the book. You and the child will both have a sense of accomplishment as they work their way toward more difficult books.

Dr. Seuss is a great series to begin children learning to read. They are simple words that can help your child really tackle the reading process. A good method is to read every night before they go to bed. This process can begin as early as a toddler. Many younger children can begin on the easier books by Dr. Seuss.

Memorize Phonics Rules

Rules like "I before E except after C" are essential to learning how to read. The more special sounds your child memorizes and practices, the easier it will be for them to learn how to sound out words.

Give Reward System

Reading is an accomplishment for every person. As a child achieves reading goals you've set, give them a special reward. These rewards need to be something that they will want to continue achieving. For every family, it will be different. The goal is to make sure the child knows what an achievement they've accomplished with each book they read.

Reading in the Car is Fun

A fun way to read out loud is when you are riding in the car. Before you begin, pick out a few words the child will be looking for. They can look on signs, billboards, or anything that will have words written on it. The child will enjoy staying busy during the drive looking for the special words. To start off, pick words you know your child knows. This helps them feel good about themselves when they find that word.

Create some type of system where they have to find so many words. Each time they get in the car, they can try to beat their own number. This is a creative way to get your child reading with out pressure.

Create Sing-A-Longs

Learning to read can be a difficult, stressful, and downright frustrating process. Lighten the mood by creating simple sing-a-longs for your child to sing. Spell out words and say special sounds in the songs. This is an easy way to teach phonics rules, special sounds, and most of all-teach your child to read-all by having fun! The tunes can be whatever you like; the key is keeping the simple and short.

Now matter what method you use in teaching your child to read, the key is staying patient throughout the process. Remind yourself and your child that anything is possible if you just give it your best effort. Happy Reading!