Little Readers!

For many of us we have one or more children embarking on the journey to become a reader!! YAY!! I love to read and I want my children to have the same love for it as I do! I'm sure you feel the same way too! My oldest son is well on his way to being a reader just like me...you know the ones who read a novel in a day or two because they can't put it down? Yeah, thats me! I read the entire "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" in 2 1/2 days! 

Here are some great and fun reading tips...it doesn't matter if your child is at a very basic level or if they are well on their way to chapter books, these are still great to implement!

At Home:

Turn off everything...the TV's, iPads, ipods, radios...anything that can be distracting to your little reader! Your child will begin to learn that when it is quiet it is time to read! Be sure that you are using book that at your child's level. 

Download my I PICK wall art printables HERE! 

{I would highly recommend printing on cardstock and laminating to make them last!}

Designate a time EVERYday as reading time!  Morning, noon or night! It doesn't matter. For our home it is the afternoon for about an hour. Sometimes my son wants to read to me and other times he wants to read by himself. He must read something from the bible {His favorite book to read!} ((Heartmelting)) Then he may read any of his books. Currently his big favorite is THE CLONE WARS! 
Check out some great Literacy Apps HERE!
Reading Aloud Tips:

Reading aloud should be fun and interactive.  Ask your child questions during the book, like “what do you think will happen next” and make personal connections, “remember when,” that create a context for reading.  This sets your child up for success—even adults need to understand the context of reading materials in magazines and newspaper articles.
Laying groundwork for future independent reading is done when you first read aloud to your children: pause to confirm and revise predictions, ask questions and make connections.  This teaches your child that understanding text is a process that occurs before, during and after reading.

Before Reading
Choose books you or your child can get excited about reading.  There are so many books out there, don’t spend time reading ones you won’t enjoy!

• If you haven’t read the book already, scan it to get a sense of it before you start reading aloud.
• Plan an introduction—find links to personal experiences.
• Introduce the title, author, and illustrator.

During Reading
Read with fluency and expression.  Children need to hear changes in your voice to indicate when you are reading dialogue. Vary your pace, too. Slow down to build up suspense and speed up during exciting scenes.

• Hold the books so your child can see the illustrations.
• Try to establish frequent eye contact with your child.
• Invite your child to question and comment but keep it focused on the story.
• Explain words and ideas you think your child might not understand.

After Reading
Sometimes a book will pique curiosity and lead to questions and conversation afterwards, sometimes not.  It’s ok either way!

• Allow time for discussion
• Encourage various levels of response with questions
• Retell the story or reread it to enhance comprehension.

Reading aloud is a great time to enjoy books together.  The increased vocabulary, correct grammar and comprehension will come naturally.  Soon enough, it will be your child’s turn to say “all by myself” and read these books to you.  Then, it will be the chapter books and “just one more chapter before I go to bed, please?”  Way to go mom and dad, you’re building a strong foundation of readers who WANT to read when YOU read aloud today.

Fun Idea Child Reading:

Cook! Yes Cook, have your little one read a recipe!

Apple Salad

Ingredients: 1 dozen apples 2 cups washed grapes (any seedless brand) 1 cup raisins 1 cup walnuts 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg Directions: Wash, core and slice a dozen apples, and place in a large bowl.  Add raisins, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and stir thoroughly.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 6 servings Get more recipes HERE!