How you can help your child with Reading
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher and it is important to encourage your child to read outside of the classroom.
Our school is asking all parents to help their children to improve their reading skills. You can do this by:
- visiting the local library – this is an economical way to provide access to different kinds of books and learning materials and allows children to borrow from a wide range. Your library may also offer a reading program which makes reading an exciting experience and allows them to mix with other children
- asking ‘why’ questions as you read a book or story together to help your child understand and asking them to think about alternate endings to make much-loved books even more interesting
- reading to your child as often as you can and by trying to carry a book with you when away from home
- letting your child hold the book and turn the pages when you are reading together – this lets your child join in and allows you to talk about the pictures
- congratulating your child on their reading – this will encourage them to enjoy the reading experience
- pointing out words as you read them, especially long or interesting words – this will create a word bank or a spelling list which will help your child with their writing
- making a message board or space at home and encouraging your child to read and leave messages for other family members – this will also give them an important job in the household.
For more tips and online resources about literacy and numeracy visit www.education.qld.gov.au/parents/map/
