§      Make sure your child is reading on his/her level.  Reading material that is too difficult compounds problems and increases frustration.  If it is a difficult book, have another family member read it aloud.

§  Reduce distracting noises, TV, radio, etc.  in order to increase your child’s ability to concentrate on what he/she is reading.

§  Tape your child’s reading material and have him/her listen to the recording while simultaneously reading the material.

§  Have your child verbally restate the material he/she has just read in order to assess his/her comprehension.

§  Have him/her read progressively longer segments of reading material in order to build compression skills.

§  Have him/her read high-interest signs, advertisements, notices, etc., from newspapers, magazines, movies, etc. 

§  Use basic or sight words in order to teach key words and phrases when reading directions and instructions. Make flash cards.  Play games using the flash cards.    

§  Have a dictionary available in order to find the meanings of words

§  Stop at various points throughout a reading selection to check for comprehension.

§  Make reading pleasant and positive.

§  Schedule Family Reading Nights where all family members read for a set number of minutes without talking.     {15-30 minutes max.}

§  Read aloud from chapter books for the entire family.

§  Participate in the Stephens County Library programs.

§  Make a habit to go to the county library at least twice a month.

§  If your child loses his/her place while reading, suggest using a ruler under each line as he/she reads or even point to each word read.

§  Provide a variety of reading material: magazines, comic books, newspapers, hobby related books, etc.

§  Serve as a role model.  Let your child see you reading

§  Write notes to your child so he/she will read them - leave them in unexpected places: lunch box, bathroom mirror, etc.

§  Ask your child about what he/she is reading at school as well as books the teacher is reading aloud.  This discussion builds and strengthens comprehension.

§  Make reading fun - not something to be dreaded.