* Read with your child every night. Make this a fun routine to get into. By the middle of first grade your child should be reading to you.  Though they will be reading to you, this is still tiring for them, it is ok to read to them as well if they seem tired.

 

*  Every time you and your child read together log it in the reading log.  Whenever that reading log is full, your child receives a homework pass! 

 

*  Never underestimate the power of conversation. Research shows that children with a lot of background knowledge have an easier time comprehending reading. Think about it, if your child is familiar with animals, when we read a story about animals, your child will already have that background knowledge to help them comprehend the story.  The more you talk about it, the more you will interest them.

 

*  Read different types of stories with you child. Children need to have an understanding of different genres (fables, fiction, nonfiction, fantasy).

 

*  Take your child to the library or bookstore.  There is no better motivation than having them pick out their own book.