Reading is such an imperative life skill.  If your child is a fluent reader and understands well what he or she reads, every task in life will be made much simpler.  Here, I would like to provide you with some suggestions for what you, as a parent, can do at home to help your child become a better reader. 

As a parent, reading aloud to your child is the number one suggestion from reading experts in the United States.  By reading 15 – 20 minutes a day, a parent will build the desire to read. When you read to your child, chose books that are close to your child’s reading level. A librarian at a public library can assist you with age-appropriate books.   While you are at the library, browse through the book, making sure that the child can understand the vocabulary and plot of the story.  Once the book is chosen, find a comfortable place to read.  Your reading area could be cozy with pillows and blankets.  As well, try to make your reading area as peaceful as possible so your child can really focus in on the story with no outside distractions.  Proximity near you is important so that your child can read along with you.  Younger children would benefit from seeing a parent point to each word as it is read.  Another important tip is to let the child take turns choosing the book, turning the pages, and reciting any repetition in the story.  Children, like adults, want to be involved and active in their reading.

As you read to your child, model what a good reader does.  As you read the story, use the volume of your voice and expression in what you read to convey what is happening within the book’s pages.  A parent is in the perfect role to model proper phrasing, pausing after the commas and periods.  As well, a parent can demonstrate smoothness in reading by only breaking where appropriate and making corrections when needed.  Another important point is to read to your child at a conversational pace, so your child hears good examples of reading. 

Of course, reading is not all about reading aloud; children must learn to read for meaning.  Good readers ask the “5 W’s & 1 H Questions”.  That is, good readers ask the who, what, when, where, why and how questions, all while they are reading. When readers answer these questions, they understand the story better.   Remember to ask questions before and after reading.  Children can look at the title and the picture on the front of the book and a parent may ask a question about what the child thinks the book will be about.  As a parent, you may also ask what the child already knows about the topic.  When this happens, your child is already thinking about topics related to reading, before he or she starts reading the book!  After reading, have your child tell you in his or her words what the story is about. This “retelling” will give you a great deal of information about whether your child understood the story well.  A rereading of the same story is so beneficial too; so do not hesitate if your child wants to read the same book again and again. 

Remember that children want to be just like Mom and Dad.  They learn from what you do.  Therefore, encourage your child to read by reading at home yourself.  Read interesting things aloud – a card, a good recipe, a note from a sibling or grandparent.  Keep good books, magazines, and newspapers around the house.  If your child sees you enjoying what you are reading, chances are, curiosity will arise!