Encouraging Reading and More Aro

Reading is essential when learning a new language, such as English and for practicing it. 

By giving your child lots of opportunities to read, you are supporting them in developing their language abilities.

At LIMAI, we place great importance on the maintenance of a student’s first language or their “Mother Tongue.”

The most current research supports that the transfer of languages skills is an important part in learning an additional language. 

As a result, all of the activities listed here could both be done in your family’s home language or English.   

Below are just some skills that can help your child improve their language, particularly reading, at different ages or stages.   

Ages 2 - 3

• When your child is sounding out unfamiliar words, give them time to do so. Remind them to look closely at the first letters of the word.

• Mistakes are okay. When your child makes a mistake, gently point out the letters they overlooked or read incorrectly.

• Talk with your child every day about school and things going on around the house. Try to use interesting or new words. This will help them build a new vocabulary base to improve their language comprehension.

• Pick books that are at the right level. Help your child pick books that are not too difficult. The aim is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences to build their self-esteem and confidence. 

Ages 3 - 4

• Ask your child to read aloud what they have written at school or for homework. This can be on their blog or maybe a book they are reading in class. Be an enthusiastic listener. 

• Create a book at home. Fold pieces of paper in half and staple them to make a book. Ask your child to write sentences on each page and add their own illustrations. Have your child read the story to the family if they would like to. 

• Make up a story together while riding in a car or bus. One person starts it. Each family member takes turns in adding to the story. Try making the story funny or spooky! 

Ages 5 and Above

• Find ways to introduce readers to a series of books or a favorite author. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions if you’re unsure.

• Let your child see when you encounter unfamiliar words while reading, try to think and say what the word might mean.

• Encourage your child to read different types of books so they are exposed to different types of writing. Graphic novels, non-fiction texts and picture books are all great for students to read.

In general, it is important that at home you develop a reading routine with your child. 

Make it a special experience for your child. This means that they have a space where they feel comfortable to sit-down and read with few distractions. 

Children should be given the opportunity to choose the books they read in order to empower them.

Most importantly, parents should involve themselves in their child’s reading. By asking questions, reading aloud together or even making funny voices

A parent’s involvement as a role model demonstrates the importance of reading to their child. This will help instill excellent reading habits and move them towards success with their language abilities.

---

阅读是学习一门新的语言的一把利器，就像当下孩子们学习英语一样，阅读是其中一种很好的练习方式。我们需要让孩子们进行大量的阅读，这样才可以提升他们的语言能力。

在LIMAI，我们非常重视孩子们的第一语言或是母语的应用。在近期研究中发现，自身语言技能可以在不同语种中使用，这对于新语言的学习有着至关重要的作用。对此，我们向大家介绍几种可以在家庭中进行的语言学习活动，活动中的交流语言可以是英语，或是孩子的母语（英语非母语家庭）。

我根据不同年龄阶段的学习目标，为您在家中帮助孩子提高语言能力，特别是阅读能力，提出以下几条建议：

2-3岁

当您的孩子在朗读新单词时，请多给他们一些时间练习，无需立即纠错，可以提醒他们多注意单词的第一个字母的发音。

有错误是难免的。当您的孩子发音有些问题的时候，请您温柔地指出他们漏掉或读错的字母。

每天和孩子谈论学校里面发生的事情，或是和家庭相关的事情。在交流的过程中尝试多使用一些新的，有趣的词汇，这样可以帮助孩子们建立一个新的词汇库来提升他们的语言理解能力。

挑选一些适龄的书籍进行阅读。和您的孩子一起挑选一些简单易懂的书，这样可以让孩子们体会阅读的快乐与收获，帮助他们建立起信心。

3-4岁

让孩子在写英文的同时大声朗读出自己所写的，在家里也是如此。内容可以是近期在幼儿园学习的，或者最近所读的一本书。最重要的是，您要做一名热情的听众。

可以在家中DIY一本书，把纸折成两半，订成书。让您的孩子在每页上写下内容，并添加上插图或说明。如果他们愿意的话，可以让您的孩子把这本DIY的故事书讲给家人听。

在乘坐汽车或公交车之余可以和孩子一起讲一个新的故事。第一个人讲出开头，之后每名家庭成员依次将故事内容丰富起来，让它变得有趣，或是一个惊悚的鬼故事也可以！

5岁及以上

可以给您的孩子介绍一系列的图书故事，或是一位受欢迎的作者。如果您不是很确定孩子的读书偏好，可以向他或她的老师咨询。

让您的孩子看到当您在阅读时遇到不熟悉的单词，试着边思考边说一说这个词可能的意思。

鼓励您的孩子阅读不同类型的书籍，这样他/她可以欣赏到不同的写作风格。漫画，非小说类书籍以及图画书都十分适合学生们阅读。

通常来说，在家中和您的孩子一起培养阅读习惯是十分重要的，给孩子一个独特的阅读环境，让他/她可以坐下来安静地读绘本里的文字，少一些平日的干扰。

要让孩子们自己选择喜欢的图书，这样可以让他们更加投入到其中。

更重要的是，家长要参与到孩子的读书时间里陪伴他们，可以相互提问，一起大声朗读，或是模仿各种有趣的声音。

父母作为榜样，在孩子面前多读书，这从另一个角度传达阅读的重要性；此外，这也将有助于培养孩子良好的阅读习惯，同时提升他们的语言能力，在语言学习中获得成功。