Building Reading Skills Article Archive

Practical tips to help improve your child's reading skills. From fun reading games to decoding words, working one-on-one with your child will make all the difference in his school success! Find more ideas on how to build reading skills at home.

• Teach Your Child To Love ReadingThese tips from teachers will help your early elementary school child read better and enjoy reading more.
• Poetry Boosts Reading SkillsThe rhyming and imagery of poems can help kids learn language fundamentals.
• Go Beyond Books To Develop Literacy SkillsThere is more to reading than sitting down with a book.
• If Your Child Reads Poorly, Try To Reduce AnxietyThe older kids are, the more uncomfortable they get if they don’t read well.
• Understanding Literary Terms Helps in Writing, DiscussionsMiddle school students learn to analyze what they read.
• Help Your Middle Schooler Build Reading SkillsChildren need good reading skills to succeed in most parts of life.
• Key Poetry Terms for Middle SchoolersMany children are introduced to poetry in elementary school. In middle school, they will learn about different kinds of poetry as well as some basic terms associated with poetry.
• Reading Strategies for Teens Who Have Trouble FocusingSome teens say they just can’t concentrate when they read.
• Reading All Summer Keeps Skills Strong“No more lessons, no more books” begins the old rhyme. But during the summer, it's important for kids to keep on reading even if school's out.
• Make an "I Can Read It" Box To Help Your Child LearnWhen children are just learning to read, they need all the chances they can to practice their new skill.
• Encourage Your Child To Read a Daily NewspaperReading a daily newspaper is a way to sharpen children’s reading skills.
• Help Your Child Read More QuicklyIf your child reads slowly, even a short assignment might take a long time.
• Reading Aloud Makes Better ReadersMany parents believe that once children learn to read on their own, parents should stop reading to them. But most experts urge parents to keep reading aloud to their children.
• Enjoy a Summer Reading Vacation at HomeYou can have a great summer vacation without leaving town.
• Improve Your Child’s ReadingChildren learn to read by reading. So the best way to improve reading skills is to encourage children to read a lot.
• Read Aloud To Build Other SkillsEven if your child knows how to read, continue reading aloud to her.
• Children Who Watch Too Much TV Read Less WellResearch shows that kids who spend more than 10 hours a week in front of the TV do worse in reading than those whose parents set television limits.
• Keep Learning Even When Reading Time Is OverSome of the best reading times take place after you’ve closed the book.
• For Longer Books, Read Aloud One Chapter at a TimeAs children grow older, they can enjoy longer books. Reading aloud gives you a chance to share books that may be too hard for your child to read by himself.
• Boost Reading Skills With a Newspaper Scavenger HuntChildren love to find things, and finding things in the newspaper boosts reading skills.
• Nurture, Support Reading HabitsEven children who can read on their own need parents’ gentle support to reach their full potential as readers.
• Practice Recalling Details With a Reading GameKeep reading aloud with your child—even when he can read for himself.
• Boost Reading by Building a Family LibraryOne way you can encourage your child to love reading is by having books in your home.
• Encourage Your Child To Become a Good ReaderSome teachers say that reading is the most basic of all the basic skills. Kids need to be able to read so they can learn other subjects...and communicate what they already know.
• Simple Activities Help Build Reading SkillsChildren must learn to read before they can read to learn.
• Parents Can Help Children Read WellA child who can read has opened the door to a lifetime of learning.
• Boost Skills by Reading AloudSome parents stop reading aloud as soon as their child learns to read.
• Overcome a Reading "Slump"In 4th grade, as many as a third of children stop taking the time to read.
• Signs Your Child Is Having Trouble ReadingYou can tell when your child comes to words he can’t read.
• Board Games Can Make Spelling FunStudying spelling words can be drudgery for some children.
• Books Help Your Child See Past the End of the BlockMost kids know a lot about their family background. But few know much about people of other cultures.
• "Firsts and Lasts" Game Reinforces Phonics, SpellingHere’s a great way to help your child with phonics and spelling while having fun. It’s also a good game for those times when you’re stuck waiting in the grocery store, at the bank, or in the doctor’s office without a book to read.
• Mental Pictures Can Help Your Child Read BetterResearchers have found that good readers have something in common.
• Challenge Your Child to a Game of "Expensive Words"Here’s a fun way to motivate your child to practice addition (and spelling).
• Build Reading Skills With the NewspaperNewspapers can be a great way to improve your child’s reading skills right at home.
• Start a "Word Wall" To Enhance Decoding SkillsNew research confirms that a “word wall” can boost a young student’s ability to decode by analogy—using known words to interpret unknown words.
• How To Read With Your ChildYou have a big influence on your child when you spend time reading together. Learn how to make the most of this special time.