grandpa-reads-to-girl.jpgEvery parent wants the best start for their children in this life – whether it’s in what we’re able to give them that we didn’t have, or even the type of education they receive. This is also true for the start we give them when it comes to reading.

Studies have proven that children who learn to read at an earlier age have an easier time in school, and are twice as likely to complete levels of higher education than those who struggle to learn at a later age. Here are some of the best things you can do to help your child become an early reader – giving them a head start on school and in life:


Start Young

There’s no age that is too young to start trying to raise an early reader. As soon as your child arrives you can start introducing them to reading both by reading to them, as well as through the use of brightly colored flash cards which have the letters of the alphabet on them.

It’s even been proven that using one of the many popular phonics learning programs available to teach (verbally) phonics to your infant can help them to better recognize letters and words later on.

Read to Them

Although you’ve probably heard it a thousand times, it’s important that you understand what an impact reading to your child will have on them becoming an early reader. A child who is read to at least once a day is twice as likely to become an early reader than those who are read to less frequently.

It’s also a good idea to teach your child how to follow along with the words by placing your finger under each word as you read it. However, when doing this, it’s important that you take the time to sound out each word as you read; otherwise your child may learn to read by memorization only.

Be Consistent

Another important thing to remember if you want to raise an early reader is to be consistent. Reading to your child once in a while, or sounding out words on an infrequent basis won’t give them the foundation they need to become early readers. You absolutely must maintain a consistent reading schedule with your children if you want them to learn young.

Make It Fun

Above all else, if you want to raise an early reader – make sure your child has fun. A child who is forced to read, or forced to read things they don’t find interesting will rebel against the learning process.

Choose books that are interesting to your child, and even let him or her be a part of the choosing process. Make the reading process fun by showing them how much you enjoy it, and remember not to be too demanding that they learn.

Overall, raising an early reader isn’t nearly as difficult as many people would have you to believe. Keep in mind the fact that reading is supposed to be an enjoyable process, and make it a special time between you and your child and you’ll find that raising your child to be an early reader is easier than you ever thought possible!