Making the Home a Reading-friendly Place

In order for a child to excel at school, he or she must be exposed to pre-reading and reading skills in their home. Many parents are unsure exactly what type of activities to implement in order to create a reading-friendly house environment.

Create a Learning Environment

One of the most important things a parent can do to create friendly learning environment is to ensure their children have access to all of the necessary materials. Parents should stock paper, pencils, pens, crayons, and markers in an area their child has access to. Additionally, make sure there is a table where your child is comfortable drawing and writing. Alphabet and word magnets can help foster creativity in children. The magnets allow children to learn their alphabet, spell out words and write sentences.

A variety of age-appropriate books is also important in creating a reading-friendly household. Parents should aim to expose their children to numerous writing styles and resources. For example, a parent of a small child should have at least one alphabet book, several rhyme books, picture books, and books of short stories. Each type of book will help your child develop the skills he or she needs to become a well-rounded reader and provides your child with the freedom and opportunity to explore reading on his or her own.

You and your child can expand reading options by visiting your local library or book stores regularly. Take your child when you go to the library and bookstore to expose him or her to all of the reading possibilities that are available to children of their age.

Encourage Reading

Supplying a child with reading and writing supplies is not enough by itself. Parents should read with their children at home. It is recommended that parents read with their child several times a week. Reading together will encourage your child to explore this skill on their own.

Additionally, it is the parent's opportunity to teach basic reading skills. Start reading to your child as soon as possible, even when they are still infants. This will help you develop the habit and skill of reading aloud. Reading to a baby and toddler will also help them with word recognition and vocabulary. Parents are also encouraged to help children learn the alphabet and how to properly write the letters of the alphabet.

Expanding a child's vocabulary and verbal communication skills will encourage them to improve reading. Try to teach your child several new words each week and show him or her how to use them in a sentence. Parents should also encourage their kids to talk about their day and various experiences like parties and field trips. Doing this will help a child learn how to convey thoughts and how a story is formatted.

Reading your own books, magazines and newspapers also helps to create a reading-friendly household. This is because you are setting an excellent example for your children. Youngsters often copy their parents' actions, so reading on your free time will encourage them to do this action as well. Children will fail to value reading if their parents never take the time to read!