How to Teach Your Kindergartner to Read
We all know how important reading is. Kindergarten is foundational for precisely this reason. Here are some tips to help your kindergartner learn to read.
- Read aloud with your child
There are lots of fun books for kids around. Find some that reflect your child’s interests and even some that don’t, so they can learn something new. Have them sit in your lap or somewhere they can see the book as you read and encourage them to read, too.
- Discussion
Reading is more than just sounding out words. Having discussions about what you’re reading can help you make sure that your child actually understands what they are reading. Ask questions before, during and after reading the book, and allow your child to ask questions, too. Helping them to identify the genre (maybe the word “type” would be more age-appropriate) is also good for developing their thought processes. Reading comes alive when a child can tell the difference between alphabet books, song books, nonfiction, fantasy and realistic fiction.
- Be an example
If a child sees those around them reading regularly, they are more likely to develop a love for reading themselves. Even if you are not an avid reader, pick up a magazine, newspaper, or anything for just a few minutes a day and let your child see you.
- Identify letters and words around you
When you’re with your child at the supermarket or on the road, identify letters and words. Whether it’s traffic signs, billboards, even graffiti, words are everywhere, and helping your child to associate reading with everyday life rather than just the classroom will help them develop the skill. Remember that learning letter names isn’t as important as learning how to sound them out.
- Word families
Teach children words that rhyme. Mop, top, stop, hop… Grouping words together helps children memorize them more easily, it teaches them how to rhyme.
- Phonics
Learning spelling rules will help children to pronounce and identify words. This can be hard, but make it fun. For teaching the pronunciation of the vowels in words like ‘name,’ for example, use little rhymes like, “When A and E go walking, long A does the talking.”
Above all, don’t make learning to read feel like a chore for your child. Use creative ways to make it fun! If you have any tips on teaching kids how to read, feel free to contact us.