Kindergarten Reading Help: How to Teach My Kindergartner to Read

Helping Your Kindergartener Read

Entering kindergarten can be a big step for your child, both as a reader and as a person. Your child may already have some reading knowledge, but kindergarten tends to be the stage when these skills are solidified. Your child will need to master the alphabet, phonics and new vocabulary words. Additionally, your son or daughter will begin to read fluently, which is the ability to read smoothly and without stumbling. In terms of comprehension, by the end of kindergarten, your child needs to be able to read and understand simple ideas.

The Importance of Phonemes

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet; however, there are approximately 45 phonemes. Phonemes are the individual sounds we make when speaking and reading. Your child will automatically learn phonemes as he or she learns to read.

However, a solid way to help your child master phonemes is with interactive letter blocks. Have your child sound out the various letter sounds on the blocks. Then, combine blocks to create new sounds. For example, your child can combine 'c' and 'h' to make 'ch'.

Reading at Home

To help your child become a more fluent reader, read the same books to her or him over and over. Children tend to respond well to repetition and, over time, your child can participate in reading by saying the parts he or she knows well.

As a pre-reading exercise, look at the front and back cover of a book and discuss where the author's from and what the author's interests might be. Take your child on what's called a 'picture walk,' which means that you look at all the illustrations throughout the book and discuss them thoroughly.

When you read to your kindergartener, pay attention to his or her reactions. Have your child begin to read words and phrases along with you as you read them. Move his or her finger over the words as you read them. You may also ask your child to repeat words and phrases after you.

After reading to your child, you can work on comprehension. Discuss the events that happened in the narrative and ask your kindergartner for his or her opinions. Ask your child to compare the book to other stories he or she knows.