Basic literacy is essentially a prerequisite for being a functional member of society. Regardless of the field you work in or what types of hobbies you enjoy, it’s virtually impossible to get by without reading skills. Unsurprisingly, one of the core tenets of developing reading skills is starting early. The earlier children begin reading and writing, the better off they’re likely to be in these areas. However, as any seasoned educator can attest, every child learns at their own pace – especially when it comes to reading comprehension. While some students are able to soak up reading lessons like a sponge, others continually struggle. Parents and teachers looking for effective ways to help kids hone their reading skills can benefit from the following pointers.
Daily Practice
When it comes to reading comprehension, practice makes perfect. Reading and writing can’t simply be placed on the backburner and revisited on an irregular basis. That being the case, parents and educators are urged to emphasize daily practice in these areas. The more children read and write, the more comfortable they’ll feel engaging in these activities. Of course, this isn’t to say you should overwhelm them. Starting small – i.e., learning a few new words, reading a few pages and reviewing previous lessons on a daily basis – can do students a world of good without eating up a substantial chunk of their time. Blending learning – giving students access to a wide range of resources and media applications – can also prove tremendously helpful in this endeavor.
Reward Systems
Many young children are able to see the inherent long-term value of committing themselves to reading lessons. Since higher education, employment and other adult issues don’t yet hold any importance to them, they often regard reading and writing as boring schoolwork. Fortunately, kids can be easy to motivate – particularly if a tangible reward is within their reach. Reward systems vary, but parents may find success offering outings, small gifts and other treats in exchange for lessons being completed and books being finished. Furthermore, teachers might want to consider allowing students to watch movies or providing them with additional playtime in exchange for consistently solid performances.
Persistence
When teaching children to read, you’re bound to experience some pushback. Some kids simply have no interest in it, while others have difficulty processing the material. When parents and teachers are unable or unwilling to address these issues, it’s the children who suffer. Falling behind in one’s reading lessons early on can have a lasting impact and ultimately prevent people from developing reading abilities on par with other people their age. So if you lack the skills, time or patience to properly educate troubled readers, it behooves you to connect them with the right people and/or resources.
In any society, few things are more important than being able to read and write. A lack of reading comprehension can prohibit you from enjoying most hobbies and make you virtually unemployable. As such, it’s important for parents and educators to help children develop strong reading and writing abilities early in life.
