Eight steps YOU can take to help your child learn to love reading and to become a storyteller who uses expressive, colorful language
It's important for moms, dads, and other caregivers to take a close look at the kinds of everyday learning opportunities available in their child's home, childcare classroom, and community environments to help a child learn to speak expressively while developing a love for reading. Shared reading can be done before naptime, at bedtime, while waiting for a doctor's appointment, or for your food to arrive at a restaurant! Plan on reading withyour child as often as possible, at least three times a week for 5 to 15 minutes, using the following steps:
- Follow your child's interests!
- Begin your shared reading time by asking
"What?" questions and repeating your child's answers.
- Be patient ... but offer help when
needed.
- Show continued interest in what she tells
you!
- Shift from "What?" questions to "How?"
and "Why?" questions.
- Keep demonstrating interest.
- Praise, praise, praise!
- Smile, laugh, and have fun!
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