learning to read

We’re here to bring the powerful magic of books to your child. You’ll find a little theory and a lot of practice in our reading corner. Look for ideas from experts as to how to make reading part of everyday life. Find tips on recognizing the common stages in learning to read, and what to do if an obstacle gets in the way.

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What You Need to Know

What You Can Do to Help

reference Books for Gifted Young Children

Check these out at the Public Libraries! The Caldecott Medal Winners The Caldecott Medal, named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the ...
Reference | American Association for Gifted Children

reference Homework Tips on Reading: What Parents Can Do

Have your child read aloud to you every night. Choose a quiet place, free from distractions, for your child to do his nightly reading assignments. As your child reads, point out spelling and sound patterns such as cat, pat, hat. When your child reads aloud to you and makes a mistake, ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Conversations that Count

Families are their children's first teachers. As a family member you begin teaching your babies about language as you welcome them into the world with smiles and caring words. You respond to your children's coos, babbles, early words, and simple sentences. By the time your children are ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Literacy Development Begins at Home, With a Literate Home Environment

One of the most effective approaches to helping young children develop literacy skills is to have a home environment that supports literacy. Research clearly shows that instructional environments "have a powerful impact on children's growth in reading." (Morrow & Weinstein, 1986) ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Literacy Milestones From Birth to Age Six

Most children learn to read by age 7. Learning to read is built on a foundation of communicatin skills that children start learning at birth-a process that is both complicated and amazing. Most children develop certain communication skills as they move through the early stages of learning ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Getting Your Child to Love Reading

Helping your children to enjoy reading is one of the most important things you can do as a parent and well worth the investment of your time and energy. Kids will learn reading skills in school, but often they come to associate reading with work, not pleasure. As a result, they lose their desire ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Problem Areas in Literacy Development

When a child is having a language or reading problem, the reason might be simple to understand and deal with or it might be complicated and require expert help. Often, children may just need more time to develop their language skills. On the other hand, some children might have trouble seeing, ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Simple Things Families Can Do to Help Their Child Become a Reader

Ages: 5-13+ Summary This information was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to assist parents, caregivers and teachers in understanding the importance of homework and the role that parental involvement plays in assigning homework. Have your child read aloud to you every night. ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Helping Your Child Become a Reader

Every step a child takes toward learning to read leads to another. Bit by bit, the child builds the knowledge that is necessary for being a reader. Over their first 6 years, most children: Talk and listen. Listen to stories read aloud. Pretend to read. Learn how to handle ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

reference Helping Your Child Become a Reader: If You Think There's a Problem

Your child may resist being read to or joining with you in reading activities. If so, keep trying the activities, but keep them playful. Remember that children vary a great deal in the ways that they learn. Don't be concerned if your child doesn't enjoy a certain activity that her friend ...
Reference | U.S. Department of Education

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