While some children have a relatively easy time learning to read, others can face challenges. If this is the case for your little one, here are some useful tips to help your child progress at their own pace.
The only way to get better at reading is to keep reading. If your child doesn’t enjoy this activity, however, the chances of convincing them to dive into a book are pretty slim. The solution? Make reading magical! Try some of the following activities:
When reading to your child, try asking them questions about the plot and what the characters are feeling to help them understand the story.
Opportunities to read are everywhere. What’s more, your child will benefit from reading even just snippets at a time. Here are some examples of what you can encourage your child to read:
Reading is a complex task that requires being able to recognize words and understand their meaning. Learning through play can be a terrific strategy for learning just about anything, and reading is no exception. Here are a few ideas for helping your child practise reading while having fun:
Sometimes, simply going back to basics can be the best way to help your child. For example, you can review the main steps in learning to read and write in French in our article on the subject.
Many children don’t master word identification until the age of 8 or 9. While the vast majority of learning difficulties can be resolved with a little work, in some cases it’s best to consult a specialist, such as a speech-language pathologist. There are several things they can do to help:
Focusing on your child’s progress and efforts will boost their confidence and help motivate them to improve. To start, help your child set goals, and then reward them for each one they achieve (e.g., make them a special dinner, give them a hug). Here are just a few examples of possible goals:
Giving meaning to tasks is a great way to motivate your child. Try giving your child three reasons to focus on reading (e.g., it’s useful in all subjects, it’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in different worlds, and a good reader has a better chance of finding their dream job).