As parents that want the best for our children, we understand the power and impact that reading has on their developing mind. With the ability to read and speak fluently, children have access to new worlds, ideas, thoughts, and tactics that can help them grow into successful individuals later in life.

If you have considered speech therapy in Montgomery County PA, here are some tactics and tools that can improve your child’s fluency and reading abilities.

1. Create a Reading Area at Home

While this may seem like a simple idea, the power it has is incredible. Children that have a designated space to explore books are more likely to read in their spare time and grow their literary knowledge.

Not only is reading a great way for a young child to relax after school, but the skills they develop in their private time can also translate to better grades, improved communication skills, and logical thinking in critical moments. For parents that want to expand their child’s mind, a reading area in your home is a great idea.

2. Read Aloud

When a child is beginning to form their speech patterns, their mind is like that of a sponge. They soak up small details and pronunciations that they will use to communicate later in life. Also, this is the point in which most children showcase their accents and learn ‘slang’ terminology.

The next time you have some free time with your child, grab a book, and read to them using your regular speaking voice. Encourage your child to follow along as you read the text so they can see the proper pronunciation of each word used within a sentence. Not only will this enable them to read with speed and accuracy, but it will also shape their speech patterns and fluency.

3. Echoing

When adults communicate, the tonality and cadence in which we speak can move mountains. Say a word with the wrong inflection, and the entire mood changes in an instant.

Echoing is the process in which we read to a child and then have them repeat the passage back to us, mimicking our tones, inflections, and cadence. By implementing this strategy, your child will understand when to emphasize words, when to slow down their speech and when to highlight important information.

4. Be Patient

Lastly, we encourage you to be patient with children as they improve their reading capabilities and fluency. When we give children a safe space to learn and grow their skill set, they become motivated to learn and eager to read intricate texts. And if you still have trouble, reach out to a child speech therapist in Southampton today!