How to Teach a 4-Year-Old to Read

As we shopped for groceries, my 4- year- old read food and store signs aloud. Several strangers in passing were impressed and asked how old was he. And, most times they are shocked that he is 4 and reads well. If you are a stay-at-home or working parent here are a few tips you can do everyday or weekly to enhance your child's reading.

Things You'll Need

  • Book

Instructions

    • 1

      Read, Read, Read with your child daily aloud. It is so true even as little as 15 minutes a day helps and you will see the results. Your child can never get enough of hearing a book read to them.

    • 2

      Start with board books and graduate with your child's age and skill level. For instance you can purchase books that are labeled 1,2,3 to indicate the level of reading needed to read the book with an adult or independently.

    • 3

      As you read stop and ask your child questions about the characters and events happening in the book. Also at the end ask your child "what happened?" or "how would you end the story"

    • 4

      Site words, blends and letter recognition all come together to help your child put words together they may have never seen or read quickly words they use in everyday conversation.

    • 5

      Visit the library. You will want to select books for your child but, it is also a good idea to let your child choose books on their own.

    • 6

      Make every trip outside of the house a reading adventure. As you drive or walk along ask your child to read i.e. a sign, simple directions or t-shirt.

    • 7

      Be an avid reader yourself, as you know children learn more so by our actions.

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