Reading and comprehension are important skills for any child – regardless if they face a learning disability or not. From school to extracurricular activities, reading plays a huge role in children’s lives – and consequently, so does their confidence in the ability to read. Parents play a crucial role in their child’s success, as reading expands into other academic and social areas. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to helping your child overcome any reading reservations they may have.
1. Be a cheerleader
When it comes to children who struggle with reading, confidence is everything. They may be reluctant to sitting down and reading for a certain period of time because they can get easily frustrated or distracted. So be encouraging and celebrate the small wins!
2. Choose topics of high interest
Getting your child to sit down and focus can be half the battle – and reading through a whole book may be another. Choosing materials that are based around topics your child enjoys – like sports or animals – won’t make reading seem like a chore, and hopefully, they won’t be as reluctant.
3. One step at a time
Patience is key. Having realistic goals and timeframes for your child should minimize frustration and distraction while reading. Having a game plan or routine set in place of what and how long you’ll be reading can also minimize any anxiety. Be patient with your child, and also yourself – progress takes time, but even something as small as reading 10 minutes a day can lead to big results.
4. Keep track
Whether it be a decorated calendar or sticker count, keeping track of progress is important. Not only is it a great way to measure your child’s success, but it’s a great tool to keep them motivated and focused. Who wouldn’t like to celebrate how far they’ve come?
5. Remember to have fun
Problems with reading usually arise from issues with words and letters. Furthermore, being able to organize, interpret, and remember what those words mean present another obstacle. Use games and activities to familiarize your child with arranging and analyzing. Between games, books, and technology, switching things up will keep reading fresh and interesting.
Happy Reading!
Sources:
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-together-tips-parents-children-adhd https://www.howtolearn.com/2013/05/5-strategies-to-help-your-child-to-read/