Recipe for Excellent Readers

1/2 Cup Fairy Dust
300 Good Books
1 Owl Feather

As much as I would like a simple recipe for making an excellent reader for fairy dust to really exist, there is unfortunately no such thing. However, due to incredible new advances in reading, and rigorous scientific research, we have discovered that if we teach children in a clear, systematic way that respects the age and ability level of the child, we could have a much higher literacy rate! It turns out that even without fairy dust, we can help children become excellent readers with a process that feels just like magic. Below are some tips on what you can do as a parent or guardian to help your child with literacy.

AGES 0-1

Read to your child every day. Buy a few of the hard covered books that they can chew on and if you feel really creative, invent hard books with flavor and a whole range of textures. While reading to them, point to the picture and tell them what the word is. For example, if there is a picture of a broom let them know the word "broom" and its function. You can also tell him he will be using one to clean up his own messes as soon as possible. ÊDK books, located at your nearest bookstore, are great books for this idea. I highly recommend them for young children.

AGES 1-2

Read to your child every day. At this age, children are usually mobile and can get around pretty easily. Place books at a level where they can access them. ÊPlace them in their crib, in a low drawer in your kitchen, in a basket in the living room and in their bathtub.ÊLet books become a fun toy for them to play with.

AGES 2-4

Read to your child every day and while you are reading, point to the words to help them understand that words are in order to help them read from left to right and that written words are also spoken language. When you reach the end, have your child turn the page; this will allow her to understand words have a particular order to them. ÊWhen you reach a word like "cat", stop and pause for a moment. Then say each sound 'c' 'a' 't' and blend the sounds to say the word cat. This will help them understand that words are made up of individual sounds or phonemes.

AGES 4-5

Read to your child every day and continue doing what was recommended for 2-4 year old children. Read him a variety of books that he enjoys and then read those books againÉand againÉand again. It turns out that your child is not trying to drive you crazy; he is trying to really comprehend the book. At this age, children need books to be read over and over again because they don't quite catch the whole thing the first time around and they enjoy the familiar feeling that particular books bring. Also, read books that rhyme and see if your child can figure out what the next rhyming word is going to be. Ask him to describe in detail objects and events to you. Their descriptions help with mental images and in the long term, reading comprehension. Go to Reading Games to explore other fun things you can do with your child.

AGES 5-6

Read to your child every day and sign up for classes at Upgrade Reading to ensure your child's reading success.