A love for reading is often best cultivated in the home. Follow these tips to help your child with reading, writing and comprehension when they’re away from the classroom.

Make it Fun

Make the reading experience a special one by having your child pick out books at your local library and check them out with his/her own library card. Give books as gifts and keep them in a favorite place at home.

Get Them to Read One More

Introduce your child to books in a series, like Arthur or The Berenstain Bears. Or encourage your child to read multiple books by an author they enjoy. You could even purchase a children’s magazine subscription in your child’s name. Visit www.readingrockets.org to find recommendations for books at your child’s grade level.

Use It in a Sentence

When your child learns a new word, use it in everyday conversation to help him/her understand the meaning.

Make a Writing Toolbox

Decorate a shoebox and fill it with your child’s favorite writing and drawing materials. Find everyday opportunities for your child to write – shopping lists, invitations, birthday cards and more!

A Little of This, A Little of That

Expose your child to a variety of writing genres and styles to see what they like best. Some kids love fanciful fiction stories, while others might prefer non-fiction books. Experiment and ask your child to compare and contrast the books they read.

For more great tips to help children hone their reading and writing skills, click here - http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips.html