Model good reading by reading aloud to your child with expression. If you
emphasize words, heighten and lower your voice, and use a tone that creates
drama and interest, your students will listen more carefully. A side benefit is
that they will begin emulating you by reading with expression as well.
Retell
After you finish a story or book, ask your child to retell it to you. Don’t
make it like a quiz, though. Make it more like a game. You could retell the
story to another adult in the house, to a doll, or to the dog! Or you could
pretend you don’t remember what happened in the story and ask your child to
remind you. Retelling a story is a giant step in gaining comprehension.
Discuss
Try having a discussion about the book. Can your child talk about it with
you intelligently? Does she remember what happened or does she have to ask you
to remind her? Say things like, "This book makes me wonder..." or
"Does this remind you of the time when..." Again, there’s no need to
quiz your child. Be informal about it, but encouraging.
Read Aloud Together
Take turns reading. Children love to read the same book over and over again.
You can read it once, then she can take a turn, or you can take turns with the
pages. Rereading is a great way for your child to get comfortable with sight
words, and it also aids in the process of learning to read with expression. It
is perfectly fine if your child has the book memorized and isn’t even looking
at the words anymore. That just means she really loves that book! Folks, that
is definitely a good thing. Enjoyment of reading one book will lead to
enjoyment of reading others.
Independent Reading
Does your child read for fun? Ever? Try to notice how often your child
chooses to read. Make sure there are plenty of books available around the
house. And turn off the TV! You can model good reading behavior by choosing to
read to yourself. Snuggle together on the couch - you with your book, her with
her book. It’s a win-win situation.