One of the best ways to help your child learn to read is by using a comprehensive phonics reading program like the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Phonics course. But what else can parents do to reinforce what your child is leaning? Here are some of our top tips and tricks to accelerate your child’s reading.
- Word Scavenger Hunt. Write a list of words for your child to find around the house. Help your child say each word and then let your child run off and find the object.
- Sing the Alphabet Song. Sing the alphabet song and reinforce the names of the letter by reading off a sheet of paper with the alphabet as you sing along.
- Play the Starts With Game. Pick a letter and take turns coming up with words that start with that letter.
- Letter Art. Paint letters or make letters with play-dough and talk about words that start with each letter and sound or sounds each letter makes.
- Flashcards. Bring flashcards with you wherever you go, like the printable flashcards included in our complete phonics course.
- Word Scramble. Have fun making words with scrabble tiles or refrigerator magnet letters.
- Rhyme Time. Read nursery rhymes and point out the rhyming words. Or just pick a word and try to find other words that rhyme with it.
- Play Electronic Word Games. Play electronic word games, like those included in the 1000 books before phonics course like the matching game, memory game, or find the words to keep learning fun.
- Word Sleuth. Look for words wherever you go on signs, posters, cereal boxes, menus, and junk mail. Help your child sound out the words you find.
- Reading. Keep reading to your child as often as possible. Stop a words your child has learned and ask your child what the word is.
These are just a few ideas for reinforcing reading skills while making learning to read fun. Get creative and remember to enjoy this special time with your child.