Want to Teach Your Child Reading? 5 Tips to Keep it Fun.

As a parent of a kindergarten or first-grader, you may be trying to teach your child reading, especially now that much of your child's learning is taking place at home. Perhaps you've set up a special place for you to do your lessons—in front of the computer and distraction-free. Maybe you've done research on how to teach your child to read, or your child's teacher has offered you guidance.

How is it working for you? Some parents (and children) are sailing right through. But if you aren't, you are not alone. Many parents who are trying to teach their children to read at home are feeling frustrated and afraid that their child will miss out on this critical skill.

Read below for a list of helpful tips that will make it easier for you to teach your child reading. If you can stick to these 5 practices, you might find that the process begins to take shape and that your lessons go more smoothly.

After all, you may not be a teacher, but you are a parent. By using some of these common-sense suggestions, you will find that you have rediscovered what you know is true. You are exactly the right person to be parenting your child no matter what the challenges might be. Don't worry about being perfect—simply be present, and you will find your child will be, too.

And do consider giving Teach Your Child to Read™ a try. We've designed our approach to be best-suited for working with a small child, and all 5 of these suggestions are built-in to the program.

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Trying to Teach Your Child Reading? Make It Easier with These 5 Tips!

TIP #1 

Three to five minutes a day, three to five days a week is the maximum amount of time you should spend on lessons. This will help make sure your child stays engaged during each lesson. (As an added bonus, you will always leave your young pupil wanting more!)
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TIP #2

Praise your child. Reward her with hugs and applause, even when things seem to be moving slowly. And be creative! Draw a picture of a word after she reads it. Or balloons when she gets her sounds right. If your child is active, let her blow bubbles or throw a ball each time she does something correctly.

TIP #3

 Make it cozy. Ideally, lesson time is on-your-lap time. Make sure your child is comfortable, well-fed and rested before you begin each lesson.

TIP #4

Never say "no" or "that's wrong." When your child answers a question incorrectly, gently guide him to the correct answer. Ask: "Can you try that one again?" or "What did we call that sound last time?" Don't keep him guessing! If he misses twice, tell him the answer. (For example, small children will often mistake 'b' for 'd,' which is completely normal. Feel free to simply tell your child the answer if he gets something like that wrong.)

TIP #5

Do not rush your child. There are no deadlines. Try to remember that each lesson is a time of enrichment, not measured success. 'Showing off' your child's reading skills to friends and family may put undue pressure on her. Believe me, as your child's confidence grows, she will proudly display on her own what she has learned.

Because we feel so strongly about these recommendations, we have created Teach Your Child to Read™ around these child-centered features. We believe Teach Your Child to Read™ is the most nurturing approach on the market to teach your child reading. Try the program 7 days for free and see if you agree!

Teach Your Child Reading in 5 Minutes-A-Day

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