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Reading struggles
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Syndicated column from The Parent
Institute
[JUNE 13, 2006]
Q: My 9-year-old son is not a good reader. His
teacher is concerned. She says my son is reading below his grade
level and that he's reluctant to read in class. I've tried to get
him to read more at home, but he's just not interested. I'm afraid
he'll fall behind. What can I do to help him read?
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A: Reading is the
foundation for nearly all success in education. You can help your
son build that foundation right now. Start with these steps:
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Take a trip to
the library and get him a library card. But before you go,
think about some things he is very interested in and help him
select books on those topics to check out. Then agree on a
regular schedule to visit the library -- once a week is a good
start.
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Have him pick
out a book for you to read to him. Stop before the end and
have him predict what he thinks will happen. Soon enough, he'll
pick up the book himself to find out.
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Make reading at
home easy. If the TV remote is within reach, but his books
are piled on a shelf in another room, you can guess what he'll
choose. Keep reading materials handy -- and get the TV out of
his bedroom!
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Above all, have patience. Reading is a skill that improves with
lots of practice. Just give him the tools. Make sure you have enough
books, magazines, comics, newspapers (or anything else) available
for your son to read anywhere, anytime. You can even check out
children's websites that he might enjoy reading. Soon enough he'll
get hooked on his newfound enjoyment, and you'll be able to watch
him learn as his reading skills soar.
[The Parent
Institute]
For more information about helping
children learn or to submit your own question, go to
http://advisor.parent-institute.com. All questions will receive
a prompt answer by e-mail.
Copyright 2006, The Parent Institute
"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful
Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.
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