Many children may struggle with literacy during the early stages of childhood education, so it’s imperative that parents help them establish positive reading habits. There are many effective tools that can help children read and understand books, including using learning toys and books. Follow the tips below to boost your child’s literacy. 

How to Help Your Child Expand Their Reading Skills

1. Read to Them Daily

Reading out loud to your child from an early age can help them improve their reading skills and create an interest and positive association with books. Reading together allows kids to follow along with your voice and the printed words on the page, and to understand that words make up concepts and stories.

2. Label Items at Home

Labeling household items, especially in the child’s room, will help familiarize kids with letters and words as well as improving vocabulary. Labels can help build associations between words to increase comprehension. Have your child read or sound out words aloud while they are using or interacting with an object or learning toy.

3. Use Audiobooks

Audiobooks that have a read-along print book are a great way for kids to listen and learn independently. They are an ideal option for entertainment, car trips, and other downtime your child may have. Learning toys like sound and rhyme books are best for toddlers, as they can associate words with music. 

4. Ask Questions

Asking questions as you read through a story with a child will help build curiosity and comprehension. Questions about the story itself (or how the child is reacting to it help build comprehension and vocabulary and develops imagination. 

Helping a child learn to read is essential to their development. Reading books and playing games supports a child’s literacy. Serving as Westchester County’s largest toy store for 40 years, Toy Box offers an impressive array of children’s books for all ages, learning toys, art supplies, and board games. They offer free parking and free gift wrapping. Visit their website for information on products available or call (914) 698-7110 to ask about a specific toy or book.