Often, parents make an effort to read with their younger children to help them become interested in reading. As children get older and begin having more difficult reading assignments, many parents begin to think of reading as independent activity. However, there are ways to prevent your child from becoming frustrated with his or her reading assignments.

Read Along

When you find out what your child will be reading for the school year, go to the bookstore and buy copies of the novels for his or personal use. Having your own copy of the books shows your child that you are interested in his or her school life. You may want to buy your child a copy as well, so he or she can make notes in the margins as necessary. If you do buy your child a copy, make sure it's the same copy the class is using. As your child receives his or her reading assignments keep up with them yourself. This allows you to be prepared to answer any questions your child may have.

Read Aloud

Even though your child has moved beyond picture books, reading aloud can still be a helpful activity. Remember you don't always have to be the one who reads aloud. You should encourage your child to read to you, especially if your child seems to be apprehensive about reading aloud in class. Reading to you could provide an opportunity for your child to practice reading aloud, allowing for increased self confidence.

Read Discussion Questions

Usually, your child will bring home discussion questions as part of the reading assignment. Since you have been reading along, you can encourage your child to discuss these questions with you. Having these discussions together can allow you to help develop your child's critical thinking skills. It can also help build his or her verbal skills. If your child is not assigned discussion questions, try to think of some on your own. Having questions ready to discuss with your child will help your him or her to remember the book's plots, characters, and themes.

Here are some possible discussion topics from Reading is Fundamental www.rif.org:

1. Point out new vocabulary and ideas.
2. Explore characters motivations.
3. Relate characters to your family's life.