Talking and Reading to Learn

Want to help your second grader become a top reader and writer? Read on for our best tips.

What You Need To Know

As your child becomes a more fluent, independent reader, you may feel your job is done. Instead, now is the time to step up your support, and seek out ways to bring reading and writing to the forefront. PBS suggests the following tips for parents who want to supercharge their child's learning:

• Continue to read aloud to them
• Set a homework routine (same place and same time every day)
• Talk about the books they read at home and at school
• Read your child's writing
• Stay in touch with your child's teacher
• Help with homework only when needed
• Make reading a part of your lives with regular visits to the library

How You Can Help

If a busy schedule keeps you from dropping in on your child's class from time to time, try sending an e-mail to your child's teacher today, just to check in. Ask about their progress, and solicit suggestions for how to supplement their in-class learning.

If you have kids of different ages, a trip to the library is one (free) activity sure to please all. Everyone can browse books at their own reading level, tailored to their individual interests. Your second grader can snag the last copy of Ramona the Brave, while your teenager checks out the Twilight series.

For more on this topic, see the complete article: