Every first grader just loves the prospect of reading. As a matter of fact, first graders would much rather sit still on the couch reading a book than they would go outside and run around all day long. Of course, this isn’t true at all. In fact, many first graders have a hard time reading, even if they do grow up to enjoy it later on. Learning to read is hard work, and reading takes effort, patience, and energy. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help make reading fun for your first grader.

One way to make reading fun for your first grader is to read with her. Some of the time, you can read to her; some of the time, she can read to you. When you read to her, you can use voices for the different characters, and read with excitement and inflection in your voice. This can be especially fun for you, as well as for your first grader. First graders, like all children, crave one-on-one time with their parents, and reading together is one fun way to do just that.

Another way to make reading fun for your first grader is to use flash cards. You can either buy these at the store, or you can make them together with your first grader, which is another fun project. On one side of the flash card, for example, you could write the word, “cat.” On the other side of the flash card, your first grader could draw a cat. You can then take the completed flash cards and use them to help your first grader remember how to spell words.

You can also make reading fun for your first grader by providing certain rewards. For example, you might offer to give him a dollar for each book that he reads. If he reads a chapter book (as he may be able to do later on in first grade), you might offer to give him two dollars. Obviously, the rewards that you give don’t have to be monetary. You could reward your first grader for reading ten books with a trip to the park, for example.

Your child’s teacher may also have suggestions about making reading fun for your first grader. In addition, if your first grader is struggling with reading, there may be help available in the form of a literacy specialist in your school district, or through a reading program at the local library, or some other organization.

Posted in School Issues

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