Many parents don’t realize how hard it is for kids to learn to read without extra support. It doesn’t just come naturally. Studies have shown that 40% of kids have some real reading challenges and need specific learning instruction. If you see that your child is struggling, you're not alone... and a lot can be done!
The good news is that there are several effective learning techniques and tools parents can use at home to support and enrich your child's educational progress. Overall parental involvement is also clearly shown to make a major positive impact in your child’s academic success. The sooner a parent can become involved, the better!
Statistics show that it becomes harder to get kids up-to-speed in reading the older they get. Sadly, if you don't get a good start by a certain age, kids often end up constantly playing catch-up, lowering their self-esteem and learning opportunities across the board. Reading and writing are fundamental building blocks for all areas of academic achievement; so it's an important focus.
Here are some tips to help kids become proficient readers and learners:
- Start early with reading at home... making it a very special experience associated with enjoyment and quality time spent together. Take turns reading... share and discuss. Have fun and ham it up with voices and sound affects! Get cozy and express to your child how much you enjoy reading with them.
- Be Involved. Engage your child... ask questions to get them to share stories about their day. Know what's happening in your child's life everyday. Attend as many school events, meetings, and activities as you can.
- Get control of TV, computer and game usage... and integrate more fun learning activities. Education can be entertaining too! So, make good choices and know your options. Keep your child on a positive, healthy learning track. Edu-tainment (education that's entertaining) can also be positioned as "a reward."
- Supplement education with other resources, like fun (yet affordable) language software and games. There are several fun English learning resources to choose from (i.e.: Leapster, Weekly Reader Learning System, English Resource Center, Sunburst, Tell me More Products, and many more). Academic Superstore helps to bring several language products to you under one roof with some very affordable prices.
- Bring learning resources with you for your child whenever you have to wait somewhere. Carry books, educational activities or games. It's great for learning and helps to avoid boredom and/or potential behavior issues as a result.
- Teach, teach, teach.... in your conversations, reading and writing in everyday life. There a so many opportunities to teach. Provide positive feedback and gently correct your child to help them learn. Sound out words for spelling. Encourage kids to write letters and notes to family or friends. Have deeper discussion about books and other learning activities together.
". . . in the world of the future, the new illiterate will be the person who has not learned how to learn." ~ Alvin Toffler (U.S. writer, with wife Heidi wrote Future Shock, The Third Wave, Powershift)
