How to Help Your Child Become a Better Reader Parents are a child's first teachers. Just as they introduce their children to spoken language, parents can help lay a solid foundation for children learning how to read written language. There are many ways for parents to understand the basics of learning to read and to use natural opportunities as lessons in reading.
Parents can have a strong, positive influence on their child's reading.
Early stages of reading development are enhanced by instruction that teaches children the alphabet, the relationship between speech and print, and that the letters in written language convey thoughts and meanings. With practice and continued instruction, readers become fluent decoders and comprehenders of increasingly more complex books. Lap time reading with picture books and stories can strongly motivate a young child to enjoy reading. Show how important reading is to daily life. Sing the alphabet song to help your child learn letters as you play with alphabet books, blocks, and magnetic letters.