By Victoria Armijo

Summer break is a great time to encourage and help your struggling reader.  Practicing reading skills are very important for beginning readers because it begins building confidence and literacy skills.  There are many ways in which you can help your child be a great reader by the end of summer, just be patient and encouraging!  Here are just a few tips that I have given parents in the past.

Tip #1 Build up Your Child’s Self Esteem ~ Almost every child who struggle with reading have low self esteem, because they compare themselves to their peers.

• Encourage and re-affirm to your child that because they are struggling with reading it does not mean that their intelligence is at stake.
• Teach your child not to compare themselves with other students.  Everyone learns differently and this is okay.
• Do something simple to make your child feel special.  You can even use a reward chart if you wish.

Tip #2 Know Your Child’s Interest ~ Knowing your child’s interest will help you find ways in which will interest your child in improving their reading skills.

• Use books and games in which will interest your child and motivate them.  Always make sure to read or look over books before handing them to your child.
• Help your child participate in activities that will interest them.
• Allow your child to join a local summer camp that might interest them.  This will also help with their self-esteem.
• Visit local libraries to check out books, videos, and games that your child might enjoy.

Tip #3 Know Your Resources ~ Knowing what kind of resources are available to you as a parent is important in helping your child succeed.

• Local Library (Cy-Fair libraries)
• School Sites (Cy-Fair Schools) - This can also be useful if your child’s previous teacher and upcoming teachers have voice services in which you could call and ask for their advice.
• Kids Perks (online resource/printable sheets)
• Early Childhood News and Resources (online resource)
• ABC Creative Learning (online educational store)

Tip #4 Learning Should Be Fun ~ Making reading fun will capture your child’s attention faster and easier.

• Use games such as the Carson-Dellosa Starting to Read: First Words or Scrabble for older children (found in stores such as Target and Wal-Mart).  Make sure to use an age appropriate game.
• Engage your child using hands-on experiences.  Reading signs or billboards while you drive will keep them busy while practicing reading skills.
• Have your child make their own book using family pictures.
• Record your child reading.  This will help them listen to themselves and hear where they need to improve.
• Use flashcards with sight-words.  Most struggling readers are visual learners.

Tip #5 Practice Makes Perfect ~ Like anything else, the more your child practices their reading skills the better readers they become.

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of reading everyday.  Make sure to take turns reading books.  By hearing you read your child will acknowledge your tone, punctuation, and fluency.
• Read in a comfortable and quiet area.
• Sit with your child while they read in case they have any questions.

No matter how you help your child with reading just remember to be kind, understanding, patient, and positive.  When a child feels secure and motivated they will react in a positive matter.  If a child feels negative or pushed they will begin to pull away from the situation.
 

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." ~Emilie Buchwald