Set aside time to read every day and take turns.

Ask your child to read to you. A simple book is best for independent reading. (This means your child can read 95% of the words in the book without your help. For children just learning to read, a very short easy reader book is best. Use the five finger test to help your child find a book that is just right.)

Then it's your turn. Read a harder book to your child. Have your child sit next to you so he can see the words as you read. (This will help your child learn new words.)

Learning to read takes place on a continuum, so experts recommend that you read to your child 20 minutes a day.

Reading every day is part of The Daily 5:

1. Read to self
2. Read to someone
3. Listen to reading
4. Work on writing
5. Word work

• The child reads a simple book by himself. (Silent reading is #1 Read to self. Reading aloud is #2 Read to someone.)
• The adult reads a harder book to the child. (#3 Listen to reading.)
• There are writing materials available for the child to use. (#4 Work on writing).
• After the adult points out new words and talks about the letters and sounds, the child plays phonics/word games and adds new words to his "word book." (#5 Word Work).