CHAPTER 10
Helping Your Child Get Ready to Read

Read to your child every day. Make reading together a special time.

Encourage your child to hold the book and turn the pages.


Point to the words you  are  reading.  

  • Follow the print with your finger from  left  to  right.

Listen to your child retell the  story in his/her own words.


Choose books that are repetitive and full of rhyme so your child can join in the reading.  

  • An important part of reading is to read favourite books again and again.

Encourage your child to  tell the story from the pictures.  

  • Ask your child what he/she thinks will happen next.

Put magnetic letters on  your  fridge.

  • Encourage your child to talk about letters and  make words.

Talk to your child.  

  • Tell stories about your family.  
  • Ask questions.  
  • Discuss the day over dinner.

Make sure your child has a  comfortable, inviting spot to  read or study.


Set limits on TV viewing and  computer use.  

  • Talk about the written words you see in  the  world  around you.

Point out print everywhere.  

  • Read signs and labels.