What books to read for grade levels and topics?
The DBRL Kids Lists are great ways to get ideas.
How can I help my child be ready to read and to learn?
- Talk to your infant and toddler to aid in their language development. Describe objects during play and daily activities to build their vocabulary, which sets a strong foundation for school.
- Begin reading to your baby or child daily from six months old onwards. Reading together fosters bonding and familiarity with words, crucial for learning.
- Incorporate sounds, songs, gestures, and rhymes to expose your baby to language. Human interaction is key; avoid relying on television for language exposure.
- Highlight printed words in your surroundings and engage in active listening with your child.
- Bring children's books and writing materials when out to keep your child entertained and engaged during travels and appointments.
- Establish a quiet, designated area at home for reading, writing, and drawing, ensuring easy access to books and reading materials.
- Demonstrate the importance of reading by setting an example through your own reading habits.
- Limit TV time and prioritize cuddling and reading with your child for numerous benefits, including readiness for school success.
Simple Strategies for Building Strong Readers:
- Make reading a daily activity with children.
- Point out words while reading to teach left-to-right directionality.
- Repeat favorite books to reinforce learning.
- Explore rhyming and repetitive stories, encouraging the child's participation.
- Discuss new words and engage in conversations about the story and pictures.
- Read from various genres of children's literature to expose them to different styles and topics.
