Encourage your little one's interest in reading with the help of Leapfrog's Tag
It's amazing when your child starts learning to read all by himself. Even when he points out just one word, this shows you he is moving towards being able to read, just like Mummy can, from his favourite books. Encouraging his interest and ability opens up so many new opportunities to him, building the foundations for his future learning and success, and fuelling his imagination. The key to developing his reading skills is to foster a love of books and encourage reading every day. Endless praise and patience as you read together now will have him devouring books as he grows up.
And here's how you can help him on his reading journey
1. Make words fun
Spotting words and then talking about them helps your little one get fi red up about reading. Try 'planting' words around the house on bits of paper, in places like his shoe or the sandpit, and see if he can recognise them.
2. Explore the classics
Your tot will love reading well-known and loved stories, just like you did when you were little. Leapfrog's Tag has 18 stories to choose from, featuring classic loveable characters like Paddington Bear and The Cat in the Hat.
3. Don't rush
Don't be tempted to move him on too fast, even if he's progressing well. If you give him a book that has too many unknown words he'll struggle to understand the story, and that could put him off. With Tag you can check your toddler's progress by using the Leapfrog Learning Path, a unique online tool, so you can be sure he's going at the right pace.
4. Don't compare your tot to others
All children learn to read at different paces, so don't panic if your child's peers are recognising more words than he is at the moment. He'll catch up, and as long as you continue to make reading fun he'll be motivated to keep going.
5. Don't jump in with the answer
If he gets stuck with a new word, give him time to have a go. Or try sounding out the word with him using the letter sounds - for example, for 'cat' say, "cuh-ah-tuh".
