Elementary Reading Help: Reading Aloud to your 3rd and 4th Graders

Reading is a basic focus and receives a lot of attention in class, but there isn't enough time in the school day to reinforce all the skills your child is expected to master. Elementary school students benefit from any outside help they can get to help them master the fundamentals of reading. Parents can help by reading aloud with their students. Reading aloud encourages students to practice reading skills like clear enunciation. It can allow parents to monitor their third and fourth grader's reading. Best of all, reading aloud can help bring your family together.

Many families have a hard time developing, and sticking to, a reading schedule. But the sessions don't need to be long. You can build it into the bedtime ritual. It's a great time for you and your student to bond and relax before going to sleep at the end of a hectic day. If you have more than one child, try reading with each child separately. This gives children the chance to read at their own pace and ability and creates a special time for just the two of you.

Parents can create a reading ritual very early in a child's life. In fact, within the first few months of life, an infant can watch pictures and listen to your voice as you read. You can help your baby or toddler with word recognition by pointing at an object as you say the object's name. Have your child follow along with the words using their pointer finger.

By reading together, you can select works that are slightly beyond their current reading skill level. Helping your child with words and concepts they don't understand will build their vocabulary. It's a great way to foster growth without the pressure of assignments that comes with school lessons, which can be discouraging. Letting your child read something they like is the best way to help them see the value of learning to read.

After finishing your reading, make sure to leave ample time to discuss the story afterward. This will help you determine if your elementary school student is comprehending the stories and strengthening their reading skills. Ask questions during the reading so you can reread any parts of the story your child has missed. Let your child quiz you as well. This will keep him or her involved in the story.