What can I do at home to help my child with reading?

READ!
Studies have shown that a child who has been read to grasps the idea early on that print contains a message.  Storybooks have a language all of their own.  So, the more stories that are read to your child, the better!  Bedtime stories not only provide a world of adventure, they give a child wonderful memories of a sense of closeness with a loved one.

Encourage your child to read to you.  Have him/her read books from school.  Most teachers send a book bag home each night.  This is SO IMPORTANT!  Have them look at the pictures first to make predictions about what is going to happen.  After reading the story, discuss what happened.  This helps your child to think about what he/she is reading.

Reading extends beyond story time.  Cereal boxes, store signs, road signs, etc. can be window of opportunity for a young reader.

Let your child see YOU reading as well!