Helpful Hints for Parents – 10 Reading Tips for Parents of Young Children
1. Read aloud to your child every day
Read to babies even before they can talk
Let your child see and touch the book
2. Create a print-rich home environment
Have a wide variety of books available to children
Encourage children to look at books on their own
3. Model reading and writing
Make use of the family reading area on your own
Let children see you reading for work or to learn something
Let children see you reading for pleasure
4. Use grocery shopping to encourage reading
Have children help you search for specific brands
Use the aisle markers with your child to find items
Match coupons to products
5. Cook with your child to develop literacy
Show your child how to read a recipe
Read the labels on ingredients together
Make a family cookbook of favorite recipes
6. Explore books together
As you read, point out important features about the book
Ask your child questions
7. Tell stories together
Talk together about your family history
Look at old vacation photos, and discuss your memories of the trip
8. Sing and rhyme with your child
Choose songs with rhymes and word play
Play rhyming games (e.g., what other words sound like monkey?)
Challenge your child to sing or say rhymes as fast as he can
9. Write with your child
Provide lots of writing materials: chalk, markers, crayons, and pencils
Encourage your child to draw and write on her own
10. Visit the library often
Make weekly trips
Take advantage of library programs such as read alouds and family book clubs
