| Learning to read is the single most important | | | | involved then you may now know until your child |
| achievement of a child's academic life. All other | | | | has fallen behind. |
| success in school depends on this important skill. | | | | No matter how busy your schedule, you do have |
| Yet many parents spend more time worrying | | | | time to work in reading lessons because they |
| about teaching their child to tie their shoes than | | | | should be short, more like mini lessons, in any |
| they do about reading. Why should you give your | | | | case and many can be done while you are taking |
| child reading lessons? After all, isn't that what the | | | | care of other chores such as shopping, driving, or |
| professionals are supposed to do in school? | | | | cleaning. |
| True, trained teachers are an important part of | | | | Do not feel intimidated by the enormity of the |
| learning to read for most children, but no matter | | | | project. Teaching a child to read takes years and |
| how skilled and dedicated your child's teacher may | | | | a dedicated staff in most schools' reading |
| be they still have a couple dozen other children to | | | | programs. However you do not need to take on |
| worry about in addition to your child. You can | | | | the whole project on your shoulders. Work with |
| focus your attention and energy better because | | | | your child's teacher and school reading program to |
| you do not have to worry about teaching 25 | | | | reinforce lessons learned in school. If you have |
| children to read. You only have to teach one child. | | | | time to do more research then you can go |
| You also know your child's strengths and | | | | beyond those but simply supporting the efforts of |
| weaknesses better than anyone else. You also | | | | the formal reading program can do a lot to help |
| know your child's interests. This means you can | | | | your child. |
| craft reading lessons and reading activities that will | | | | You do not need to buy any special equipment or |
| challenge and intrigue your child. | | | | reading programs. Most often you can use books, |
| There is another important reason why you | | | | paper and writing utensils from your home or local |
| should be a part of teaching your child to read. | | | | library to support your efforts. |
| Sometimes schools and reading programs fail to | | | | You should give your child reading lessons because |
| meet the needs of all children. Some children | | | | you should be a part of this important step in |
| struggle with certain reading programs and fall | | | | your child's development, you are the best |
| behind their peers. If you are involved then you | | | | equipped person to teach your child, and you do |
| can spot these difficulties and take steps to | | | | not have to do it alone. Teaching your child to |
| intervene before it is too late. If you are not | | | | read can be fun and rewarding for you both. |