| Children with elementary reading skills usually can | | | | to use them. If you show your kids how to use a |
| read but the main problem is with understanding | | | | dictionary then when they ask you about a word, |
| what they are reading. After the child has learned | | | | you can say look it up in the dictionary. You only |
| phonics they should be able to accurately read | | | | come in when the word is not in the dictionary or |
| and pronounce the written word. Their limiting | | | | when the question is about sentence structure or |
| factor is understanding the meaning of the words | | | | grammar. |
| and sentences. | | | | You have heard that reading in bed to your |
| Here you have to be available to explain what | | | | children is one of the best things you can do |
| your children don't know. So you must encourage | | | | because now you know why. When you read in |
| your children to ask questions. Never and I mean | | | | bed your children are learning all about sentence |
| never say that is stupid question as that might | | | | structure and grammar. Then when they start to |
| put your child off asking questions and you don't | | | | read they already know a lot about how |
| want that. Also you children look up to you so | | | | sentences fit together. |
| you must answer the questions as best you can, | | | | Another thing, always ask your child what is |
| or if you can't answer say you will find the | | | | happening in the story to see if she understands |
| answer. | | | | what the story is all about. Because this way you |
| This is the time to introduce dictionaries and how | | | | will know if your child is reading correctly. |