Reading with Young Children
Reading with your child is a wonderful way to promote literacy learning. When you read with your child, you are developing memories that will last a lifetime. Try these simple ideas to enhance your reading experience.
- Select a time each day to read with your child.
- Have a special spot to read together such as a favorite chair or a child’s bed.
- Read and re-read your child’s favorite storybooks!
- Choose books that you enjoy reading.
- Choose a variety of types of books (non-fiction, fiction, Mother Goose rhymes, poetry, fairy tales) to share with your child.
- Choose books with predictable text that children can read along with you (Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?)
- Point to the pictures and talk as you read.
- Try varying your voice for different characters or using sound effects for added fun.
- Identify important features of the book, such as the author, illustrator, and title.
- Point to words, labels, and letters as you read.
- Encourage your child to retell the story in his or her own words.
- Build your child’s vocabulary by providing real-life experiences that match the book you are reading. For example, when reading Goodnight Gorilla, follow-up with a visit to the zoo. Talk about the animals you see. Re-read the book when you return home.
- Attend story time together.
Local Reading Programs
- Bettendorf Community School District, Birth To Five Program
Contact: Stephanie Tubbs, Birth-To-Five Coordinator
(563) 359-9375
http://www.bettendorf.k12.ia.us - Davenport Community School District, Read With Me Program
Contact: Charles Robinson, Read With Me Coordinator
(563) 823-2086
http://www.davenport.k12.ia.us - Bettendorf Public Library
(563) 344-4178
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com - Davenport Public Library
(563) 326-7832
http://www.davenportlibrary.com - Fairmount Davenport Public Library
(563) 326-7893
http://www.davenportlibrary.com - Leclaire Public Library
(563) 289-4242
http://www.leclairelibrary.org - Scott County Library System
(563) 285-4794
http://www.scottcountylibrary.org