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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.