How to Raise a Child to Become a Good Reader.

Jim Trelease is a Read-Aloud expert and speaker and according to him, the "Meaningful Difference" (click on the link) between Rich, Middle class and Poor children
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/

by the age of 4 was how many words they heard their parents speak. There is a cool graph to see the dramatic difference. So keep reading aloud.

My tip for you is to go to the library and get some books on tapes (the ones that come with the books in small plastic bag). That way you can put the tape on and listen along with the story and follow the words. Then after once or twice or whatever You can read the book to your children. Keep them on your lap. You want to instill a sense of love and bonding so they associate those good feelings with every time they pick up a book. I agree that your English sounds great.

I have a girlfriend whose left Argentina at age 6. Her Spanish accent is worse than mine. I was too afraid to speak Spanish to my children (they know almost zero) b/c they'd learn it "wrong" b/c I didn't have enough words. She did not care and said to herself, she'd learn alongside with them. Her children's Spanish is PERFECT and it's shocking!

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Keep on doing what you are doing and have faith in yourself!

Also, you can go to your local library and check out free books on tape/CD that include the matching book. So, the tape or CD player can also read the book while you and your child hold it and follow.

Also, just setting an example of reading for yourself in your leisure time shows kids that reading is fun and not just for school.

Oh, I forgot...check out this Placentia Library website for Tumble Books.

http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/book_details.asp?C...

You can read and follow along on tons of kids books online for free.

Get them excited about books. Visit bookstores and libraries. Buy or checkout books they enjoy. Lastly, read your children your favorite Japanese children's books in Japanese. That's a great cultural and linguistic education for them.

Best wishes!

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I am a teacher and I have worked with many parents with the same issue. I always recommend books on tape or on CD. Barnes and Noble has a special section in the children's area just for this. Also, the public library has A LOT of this kind of material. I don't know how old your children are but they have picture books and chapter books on tape. While you follow along with your children follow your fingers under the words. Stop every now and then and discuss what is happening in the story. Also, model reading in home. Just by reading the newspaper or a good book, models the importance of reading in your home. If your children are school age you can ask your child's teacher if she has anything she has that can help you support your child in school. Most public libraries also have the school's curriculum materials so you can review with your child at home.

I think you are on your way to supporting your children's reading progress just by asking the question. Make reading a fun event in your house that your children look forward to. Don't make it a chore or a punishment! Also, I can't tell you how important it is to help your children learn your language too. Studies show that children who can speak, read, and write in two or more languages do better in school. Read to your children in Japanese!

Hope this helps!
P.S. Also a great website for learning to read is www.starfall.com
I use this website with my own children and in my classroom!

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Why not read in Japanese to your kid? Children are able to learn many languages simultaneously and reading is reading - no matter what language. Also, take your child to your public library's story hour. You could check out some kid books while you are there that you understand the majority of the words in. Each week you'll be able to gradually grow your vocabulary through the books. Some of the books have tapes that come with them that you could listen too and work on your pronunciation.

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R.,

READ, READ, READ!!! you are already ahead of the game wanting to set the example for your children. it doesn't matter what you read, as long as you are reading w/your kids. and why not read to them in japanese? i wish i knew two languages. :) you're kids are lucky to have a mom who cares about reading to them.

L. :)

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Hello R.,
My Mother doesn't speak or read English very well so it was quite a surprise when my Brother & I began meeting other children & realized we weren't speaking the same language! However, children are quick to learn & in no time we were both speaking and reading English with ease.

Your English seems to be pretty good, so I wouldn't worry too much about the words you don't understand (you can always look them up online or in a dictionary &/or make a story up as you flip the pages). They will be picking those books up and reading to you before you know it.

Good luck!
W.

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There are some great books at barns and noble and at babies r us that have read a long CD's with them. That way you can both can listen to the CD and read along with it. It may be a great way for you both to learn how to read and say some new words. Good Luck and you are already doing an awesome job by reading to him. Some parents don't even do that.

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