Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash
How to Improve Your Child’s Reading and Writing Skills
Reading and writing is a subject that kids either love or hate. To kids, especially the younger they are, reading and writing can seem like learning a whole new language, which it basically is!
Getting them to enjoy it
As kids get the mechanics of learning, they are enthusiastic about it But as they get older, these mechanics get too boring and repetitive for them, especially for the boys. So how can you help your children enjoy reading and writing? Here are some ways in which you can teach your children and students more effectively.
Reading
First of all, you have to teach them, “How do I choose a book?”
- Start by finding out their interests. For example, let’s say they like soccer.
- Find them a book about soccer, but instead one that has characters and an interesting plot.
- For example Tiny Tim by Tim Cahill, which is an autobiography made for kids by the soccer player.
Next, you have to check whether it is too hard to read.
- Use this strategy:
- If they cannot read up to five words on a page, they are not ready for that book just yet.
Writing
Start by giving them inspiration.
- Tell them to write a story about whatever they choose.
- Show them pictures, or give them a setting, like a haunted house, castles and so on
- Even give them video clips, like the beginning of a movie to get their imaginations going.
Another common question from teachers is, “What do we do about students who rush their work?”
An easy way to solve this problem is to use the grouping system.
- Create groups
- Each group does a different activity, and then they swap.
- This way they are always moving around, doing something new, and this keeps their attention on learning.
Handwriting
Remember that all kids have different levels of fine motor skills.No matter what level they are at, here are some ways to help them develop their motor skills.
- Early on, you can use playdough, sand and other things like that to strengthen their fingers
- Later on, things you can introduce sports, like basketball, musical instruments or using actual clay to sculpt to develop skills in their hands.
- Set high and realistic expectations for each separate child.
- If you set the bar low, and expect messy handwriting, guess what you’ll get? Messy handwriting!
Remember
When teaching your child remember:
- the quote, “Check in rather than check over.”
- Sport can help kids feel free from feelings of anxiety and stress. It also resets
and get them ready for more learning.
- Check if they are doing well, but DON”T actually stand over their shoulder, pointing out mistakes
- Also, children need to take responsibility into their own hands, which means they will have to experience finishing their homework during lunch.
This article was inspired by episode #62 of the Parent-Teacher Project with Anthony O’Shea, entitled, ‘How To Improve Your Child’s Reading And Writing Skills’.
Listen to the entire episode below.
Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Latest Stories from PARED Academy
Pay Cheque with a Purpose with Alexandre Havard
Starting the New Year with Purpose The Concourse, Chatswood, buzzed as a diverse crowd gathered for 'Pay Cheque with a Purpose'. The event, presented exclusively in Sydney by Pared Academy featuring...
Empowering Parents, Faculty & Staff at Pared Academy
Recently, we hosted various sessions led by Dr Karen Bohlin (Director of the Practical Wisdom Project and former Principal of Montrose School) catering to different aspects of our community....
Building Character Strengths Course 2023
While parents are the primary educators of their children, teachers and mentors also play a vital role in students’ character development. Before the beginning of Term 2, 33 new members of staff...