Recently I was asked to help a parent, who struggles with reading, help her own struggling reader at home. A parent-child relationship can be tested when both parties have negative associations with reading. The cure is to focus on mutual interests and look for other ways that print is used in the world. Reading can be everywhere, from cereal boxes to mall maps. Things to read can even be found by leaving the couch and searching out newspapers, kitchen shelves and booting up the laptop. There are many other alternatives to the storybook. I dare you to give it a try!
Here's how to put the fun into reading.
Check out the Sunday Comics
The comics are a perfect way to have fun and practice reading at the same time. Have your child create her own collection of her favorite comics to read again and again. Not only does this promote rereading but it also helps to encourage fluency. Comics.com is an alternative to the daily newspaper. Another idea is help your child create her own comics using an online comic generator.
Start Baking
A practical way to learn a life skill, baking is the perfect way to encourage focused reading. A child is sure to read the words over once or twice in order to make the perfect batch of chocolate chip cookies. Usbourne creates a series of books that provide an approachable way to learning how to bake. Check out Children's Book of Baking [2007].
Try a Science Experiment
There are many websites that offer easy to read experiments for kids. From erupting volcanoes to green slime, there is something to pique any child's interest. wikiHow has a science section devoted to kids. The best part, kids can also write and post their own experiments.
Make a Play
Reader's theatre is a great activity to encourage reading fluency in an playful atmosphere. Great quality scripts can be found for free on the internet. Parents can take a role and read along with their child. A Teacher Heart lists many scripts that are an easy read..
Create Your Own Story
Digital storytelling programs, such as storyjumper and Photo Story 3, allow children to use their words and pictures to create a story. An added bonus, these stories can be e-mailed and shared with loved ones
Reading needs to be fun! The best way to reach struggling readers is to make it a purposeful activity. When in doubt, go the playful route!
Brandi Clark - I have a knack for making people laugh but also encouraging them to learn something new along the way.
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