The ABCs of Teaching a Child To Read

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” – Kate DiCamillo.

1. Accept help from others in your learning community. It does not have to be Mom or Dad reading aloud to younger ones it can be any member of the family who can read. (Historically, learning to read has always been a communal effort.) Next time you plan on visiting or sleeping over a family member's house, pack a few books or visit their home library for a group read aloud.

2. Borrow books, expertise and reading ideas from your local library. Attend a story time being read by a librarian or early childhood educator who knows how to read to littles. Pay attention to their animation and enunciation and copy a few tips and tricks to try out at home! Librarians also  know alot about books and appropriate books for people of all reading levels. So every now and again talk to a librarian and ask for book/reading ideas andp suggestions.

3. Create a 'print rich' environment at home. Label common areas and every day objects. Create a home library or several mini libraries around your home where books are attractively displayed and easily accessible to young readers. Most importantly, read everywhere! Not just in bed at bedtime, read books all around the house...inside and outside, in the car on the go. Read road signs and the charts in Doctor's offices. 

4. Develop a personal habit of reading books. Model the habit of taking up a book, magazine and newspaper and reading for pleasure and or enlightenment.