Reading Together

1. You and your child both read the words out loud together. Read at the child's speed. You are modeling good reading for your child.
2. As you read together, your child must read every word. To make sure your child is looking at the words, it will help if one of you points to the word you are both reading with a finger or card. It's best if your child will do the pointing.
3. When a word is read incorrectly you just say the word and then your child immediately repeats the word.
4. Show interest in the book your child has chosen. Talk about the pictures. Talk about what's in the book as your child goes through it. It's best if you talk at the end of a page or section, or your child might lose track of the story. Ask what things might happen next. Listen to your child--don't do all the talking.

Time

1. Try very hard to do Paired Reading every day for 5 minutes. If the student wants to read longer, a total of 15 minutes is long enough.
2. Select a time that's good for both you and your child. Don't make your child do Paired Reading when he/she really wants to do something else.
3. For days when you are not available, you may want to train someone else to be a substitute. Grandparents, older brothers and sisters, aunts, baby-sitters can be excellent reading role models, too.

Place

1. Try to find a place that's quiet. Children are easily distracted by noise. Turn off the TV, radio and stereo.
2. Try to find a place that's private. No one else should be in the room. Many families find this a great opportunity for one parent to spend time with just one child.
3. Try to find a place that's comfortable so both readers can concentrate on the story without having to shift around. Try to associate warm and snuggly feelings with reading.

Tim Rasinski

Kent State University