Favorite Books for Beginning Readers
Do you have a beginning reader? You might have just finished a phonics book and he/she is slowly reading sentences, but is still decoding some words and hasn't become fluent quite yet. I want to share some ideas for how to build a love for reading in those early days when it can feel tedious and laborious (for both mama and child).
1. Let them choose. Offer a wide variety of books to choose from, then let your child pick a favorite. Giving your child this power may help them feel more invested and motivated.
2. Minimize distractions. If your new reader has siblings, the excess noise can feel frustrating. Reserve 20 minutes during "rest time" (so the other kids are away) so you can spend some one-on-one time with that child and give him or her your full attention.
3. Make it special! Every once in a while, make tea, light a candle, or set out a treat so it feels a little fancy. They'll connect that warm feeling with reading (which is the goal!).
4. My favorite tip: Take turns reading. Read one page aloud, then let your child read the next. This makes the story flow and keeps the momentum going. It also gives your child a little break between reading longer passages.
Our favorite early readers tell a story, have beautiful illustrations, and are often humorous. When your child laughs at a joke they just read, you know they're comprehending the story.
