You’ve got a child who is learning to read, hooray! While it is tempting to encourage your child to read everything in sight and practice reading with you, hold off for now. One of the things I caution parents about with brand new readers is pushing too hard, too fast. There’s a clear progression to learning to read, and it is one of the more complicated skills to master. However, there are plenty of things you can do at home to support your new reader and her budding skills! Here are five ways to support your child’s reading at home besides reading books together.

Rich vocabulary in everyday conversation

Reading is understanding someone else’s thoughts, and most of us “hear” the words in our heads as we read. Knowing and recognizing a rich vocabulary makes reading new words easier! As you are talking with your child, use accurate and varied vocabulary. For example, instead of saying “that thing over there,” you could say “the blue square on the shelf with the letter R on it”. If you know it, use the real or most specific name for objects (the flock of starlings has perched in the apple tree branches by the fence). Vary your adjectives and verbs! Keep a list in your pocket if it helps you remember the words. Children enjoy playing action games like “crawl like a turtle” or “wiggle like a worm”

Model, model, model!

A child who sees YOU reading (with a real book or magazine, not a device) is much more likely to think that reading is a thing to do, reading is a thing that his family and culture does, and reading is something that he should do too. You don’t need to talk about the fact that you are reading, or flaunt it. Children are always watching us and emulating us, so merely sitting and reading around your children can be a powerful example.

Reading all around

We read many things in our daily lives that aren’t books. As you are driving, at the grocery store, or cooking, speak aloud the words you read. “Stop” and “exit” are both phonetic (easily decodable for new readers) and have the added bonus of a consistent symbol when found on road signs. Ask your child to tell you when they notice a stop sign, or ask him to find the exit # you’re taking. “Nutrition Facts” are another easy bit of text to find and recognize, as they look very similar on food packaging.

These small reading challenges build confidence and have a real purpose to them, a sure road to success!

Sound-spelling writing

Writing and reading go hand-in-hand, especially in the Montessori classroom. Writing is the process of recording your thoughts, and reading is understanding someone else’s written thoughts. Your child may already be writing by the time they are reading. If so, you can encourage sound-spelling of new words by asking “What sound do you hear first? What’s next? What’s after that?” Breaking a word into separate sounds is the same process used in reading, so this extra practice will go to good use!

Create a cozy space

You probably already know that a prepared space encourages purposeful activity and use of the space. A Montessori classroom is meticulously prepared for your child’s learning, and you can use this same concept at home to prepare spaces for reading! Do you have books your child enjoys reading where he can find them? Is there a cozy place to sit and read alone, or together? A beanbag chair, cushion, or rocking chair with a small bookshelf or basket of books is perfect. Can you visit the library and find interesting books to borrow?

Talk with your child’s teacher or guide about specific books or other activities you can do with your child to build her reading skills. And celebrate this special time; reading is a crucial skill that will serve your child his whole life, and deserves to be met with joy!