• The beginning of First Grade can be an exciting but scary time.  Be sure to set a routine with your child and make sure to include a reading time!  Here are some tips to having a successful shared reading time with your child.
     
    • Try to read at the same time every night.  This will help form a habit and before you know it, your child will be reminding you about your special reading time.
    • Take turns reading.  Read one book that your child can read to you and then you can read a more difficult book to him or her.
    • Reading pictures is okay!  If your child is a struggling reader -it's okay to encourage them to just read the pictures to you.  This is still an important key to learning how to read.
    • Pick a quiet place with very few distractions.
    • If you work at night -tape yourself reading a book.  Your child can listen to the tape over and over.
    • Remember the classics.  It's wonderful to share a book from your childhood or your favorite chapter books.  First graders have fabulous listening skills and can comprehend books that are much too hard for them to read.  It's okay to read Charlotte's Web -a chapter each night will keep your child enthralled in the story and help with their long term memory.
    • Have fun!  Laugh and enjoy the time together.  It is best to skip a night if you are stressed for time, rather than rush the moment.  This special reading time is meant to encourage your child's love of reading -so make it enjoyable.