Learn to Love Reading
Help your child learn to love reading. At Sylvan Learning, we believe that every child has the potential to make reading a positive activity. We encourage parents to take an active role in their child's reading.
Take a trip to the library.
Make going to the library a treat for your child. Let her sign up for her own library card so she feels independent. Plan periodic trips, and help your child choose books of interest to her. Look through the magazines at the library together. This is another great way to get your child reading.
Encourage reading at bedtime.
Reading to young children is an excellent way to instill a love of books. Allow older children a small amount of time to read a book of their choice before going to bed. This will make reading a daily ritual.
Consider a reading tutor.
Every child can benefit from the extra help of reading tutoring. Sylvan Learning offers reading help through our national tutoring centers and live, online tutoring. We teach basic phonics, word recognition, and comprehension in reading programs for younger children. Older students benefit from academic reading, which includes vocabulary, reading comprehension, and other advanced skills.
Make reading a family activity.
Designate 10 to 15 minutes of time whenever possible to read as a family. Children learn by example; if older siblings and parents are reading, they will also want to read. Give your children books, comics, magazines, a newspaper – anything that will get them reading.
Find material that interests your child.
The library's broad reading selection can seem overwhelming at times. Narrow your child's choices by subject. Does he love animals? Sports? Art? Having an interest in the subject matter will increase his desire to read.
Give the gift of reading.
Does your child have a birthday coming up? Is the holiday season approaching? Take advantage of these times as an opportunity to give books or gift certificates to bookstores.
Bring books on long car trips.
The car can be a great place to read. Take your child to the bookstore or the library before leaving, and let them choose a book. Or suggest a magazine of interest to your child.
Research role models.
If your child looks up to a positive public figure, encourage him to learn more. Remember, the only way to learn is to read! Whether it's on a website, in a book, or a magazine, your child will be improving his reading skills.
Cut out newspaper articles.
Choose one or more articles a week for your child. You can read together with younger children, and have older children read the piece independently. Then ask her to tell you about the article. This is a great way to improve reading comprehension and foster an interest in current events.