Teach A Child How To Read

Simple methods to encourage a love of reading

Lots of parents want to teach a child how to read. They know that if a child develops a love of reading it will help build skills that will stand that child in good stead throughout life. Reading improves a child’s language skills, intellect and knowledge. There are many ways a parent can teach a child how to read.

The best thing you can do to encourage your child to read is to do it yourself. Read to your child as often as you can, from a very early age. Even if they don’t understand the words yet, they will like hearing the rhythm of your voice and begin to understand the patterns of speech. With so many wonderful books for children, they will get real enjoyment from the stories you read.

As your child grows older, you can help them to learn basic letter recognition. A simple way of learning about the sound and look of letters is to use toy letters such as magnetic or foam ones. Make the sounds of the letters as you and your child play with them.  Form them into little words. Another excellent way of learning to identify letters is to use the alphabet song. Most children love to sing along with this and get a sense of accomplishment when they learn the correct letters. They also love rhyming songs and books which have pictures alongside individual letters of the alphabet.  You can use a chalkboard and let your child see the creation of letters and words as you write.

As the child’s understanding grows, you can point out letters and words when you’re out and about, for instance in stores or on signs. As children realize how much of the world around them comprises of letters, they will want to learn more in order to understand it.

Give lots of praise when you first start to teach a child how to read. Learning to form the sounds of letters takes practice and it will take them a few attempts to get the sounds of letters right. Never make fun of them if they don’t succeed at first. As they grow, don’t be impatient to get them reading. It takes time, and not every child will learn at the same pace. All you need to do to teach a child how to read is build the foundations on enjoyment, love and encouragement and they will learn when they are ready.