Read together every day
Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close.
Give everything a name
Build your child’s vocabulary by talking about interesting words and objects. For example, “Look at that airplane! Those are the wings of the plane. Why do you think they are called wings?”
Say how much you enjoy reading
Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day.
Read with fun in your voice
Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices. Ham it up!
Know when to stop
Put the book away for awhile if your child loses interest or is having trouble paying attention.
Be interactive
Discuss what’s happening in the book, point out things on the page, and ask questions.
Read it again and again
Go ahead and read your child’s favorite book for the 100th time!
Talk about writing, too
Mention to your child how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.
Point out print everywhere
Talk about the written words you see in the world around you. Ask your child to find a new word on each outing.
Get your child evaluated
Please be sure to see your child’s pediatrician or teacher as soon as possible if you have concerns about your child’s language development, hearing, or sight.
Reading tips in other languages
View our downloadable tip sheets for parents in the following languages:
- Download reading tips in Spanish
- Download reading tips in Arabic
- Download reading tips in Traditional Chinese
- Download reading tips in Haitian Creole
- Download reading tips in Hmong
- Download reading tips in Korean
- Download reading tips in Diné (Navajo)
- Download reading tips in Portuguese
- Download reading tips in Russian
- Download reading tips in Tagalog
- Download reading tips in Vietnamese
Discover all of our reading tips for parents
Reprints
You are welcome to print copies or republish materials for non-commercial use as long as credit is given to Reading Rockets and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact [email protected].