Are you trying to get your first grader to grasp the concept of reading a little better? Some parents start panicking if their child is not reading extensively at this point, however, there are things you can do to help your child become a better reader. Check out these reading tips for teaching your first grader extended reading skills.
1. Writing & Drawing
Believe it or not, but writing helps tremendously with reading. You can look at reading and writing as a marriage of sorts. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. To help your child with extended reading skills, get them writing. One way to get your first grader (or kindergartner) to love reading and writing is to have them “write” and “illustrate” their own book. Have them write out a story and draw a picture to go along with the story. You can have a personalized library with the books your child creates.
2. Practice Phonics
The idea of phonics isn’t just to help a child learn how to read, there are many ways you can use phonics to help with extended reading skills. Use phonics to help your first grader put together larger words. Instead of basic words like cat, use the sounds to put together words like ‘anybody’ or ‘anything.’ Another way to include phonics in the process of learning is to have your child use bigger words in sentences. By using a word regularly they can get extra practice in for when they run into that bigger word while reading.
3. Independent Reading
If your child is struggling with reading or they need help getting their vocabulary up there, consider independent reading. This is a time period during the day where your child reads by themselves. They can read silently or out loud, the choice is up to you or them. Start with simpler books and then move onto books with more wording. Ask your child’s teacher for book recommendations for home.
4. Sight Words are Everything
There are going to be some words your first grader struggles with no matter what. That’s why sight words are so important. One way to get your first grader excited about reading is to practice words they’ll get excited about. If they love bugs, then consider creating sight words around bugs. You can even include the sight word in a phrase about bugs. For example: The grasshopper ate the alfalfa. Try to include any word that your first grader is struggling with into a sentence they can relate to.
Teaching extended reading skills to your child is not easy, however, it’s well worth it considering it will help them achieve great things throughout their schooling. Each day my first grader surprises me with the advancements in his reading skills!
What tips do you have for fostering healthy reading habits in your early reader?
Does your first grader like Minecraft?
Nicky says
These are great tips. My youngest is now on 2nd grade and I can attest all of your advise. He is also into Minecraft and I’ve found it has helped him read. Thanks for sharing this with us at the Let’s Get Real Link Party. I hope you’ll join us again this week.
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Kristina and Millie says
great tips! It is so important for kids to learn to read and enjoy it! The ability to read well and comprehend is the foundation for success as an adult (in my opinion) as well as just being enjoyable! Thanks for sharing with us!
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Herchel says
Thank you!
Katerina says
I’ve been through this! Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. All posts get pinned in our pinterest board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!
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Selena @ Look! We're Learning! says
Great suggestions, Herchel! I’ll be featuring YOU during this week’s Family Fun Friday. 🙂
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Herchel says
Thank you Selena! 🙂
Elizabeth says
I love this. One of my little ones catches on so quickly and the other one is not wanting to practice and work on it. It is hard since they are twins, but I need to not compare and just help them each individually. I have noticed that different fonts set off my younger one, so I am going to handwrite some cards to help with sight words, so the different fonts from the school don’t set her off so much!
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Herchel says
I spend Thursday’s reading with group after group of first graders. I have noticed that there is a such a wide range of of skill level with this age group. I noticed the same issues regarding school work with my two kids. My son does very well and test to be loud about how easy his work is for him to do. This discourages my younger one which leads to her not even wanting to try. I separate them during homework time! One does their work at the kitchen table and the other one in the living room on the coffee table. 🙂 No more homework fights.
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Audrey says
To expand on the independent reading suggestion, you could have them read out loud to a pet, stuffed animal or even a folder (or another picture of their favorite characters). In my son’s first grade class, they can sit on the carpet when they finish their work and read a book to a folder. She even bought a special TMNT one just for him!
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Herchel says
That is an awesome idea! I am going to do that with my son.
Savanna says
Great tips! Sight words are great and very important!
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Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution says
I would agree with all of these. But I would also say that if tips aren’t working… don’t be afraid to look for additional help. 1st and 2nd grade are crucial times for kids. If they are struggling to reach the basic level of reading required for 1st graders, it’s time to look into additional (outside) resources and support.
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Becka says
These are great tips. I agree using Sight Words are VERY important and instrumental to learning to read!
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