Fostering long-term academic success for emergent readers evolves from building their confidence and nurturing a love for reading. These efforts also create positive attitudes towards learning and school. Below we outline some effective strategies to support young readers.
Create a Positive Reading Environment: Most importantly, make reading fun! Choose books that reflect a child’s interests, whether it’s about animals, superheroes, or adventures. Letting children select their own books can increase their engagement. Setting up a “reading nook” and giving children “agency” over what, where and when they read makes reading more enjoyable.
Reading Aloud: Read together with your child and make the story come to life with enthusiasm, varied voices, and expression. This can help your child associate reading with enjoyment and curiosity while building fluency and comprehension.
Celebrate Small Wins: Praise progress, no matter how small. Whether they recognize a new word or finish a simple sentence, acknowledging these accomplishments helps boost confidence.
Use Repetition: Re-reading familiar books helps children recognize patterns and build word recognition. This familiarity builds comfort and confidence in their abilities.
Play Phonics and Sound Games: Playing sound games or using phonics-based apps to strengthen the connection between letters and sounds is a fun way to help the youngest readers blossom.
Encourage Independent Reading: Set aside time each day for independent reading, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Create a comfortable, cozy reading nook to make it enjoyable. Use a reading log and celebrations to encourage this healthy habit. Don’t forget to be a model and do your own independent reading next to your child!
Library Visits: Take regular trips to the library to explore new books. This helps children feel a sense of ownership in choosing their own books and builds excitement around reading. Check out local bookstores and participate in author visits.
Ask Questions: While reading together, ask open-ended questions about the story to help develop comprehension and critical thinking skills. Questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the character feels?” engage children in active reading. Help them connect the story to their own experiences, which also helps deepen their understanding and engagement with the text
As you embark on the journey of nurturing your child’s reading skills, remember that you’re not alone. LS Tutors is here to support you with tailored strategies designed to build confidence and foster a genuine love for reading. Our experienced tutors can provide personalized guidance, helping your young learner develop a lifelong passion for books. Don’t hesitate to reach out to LS Tutors for the support you need to inspire the next generation of readers!
Best,
Lori Solovey
Owner, LS Tutors