Talking & Listening

Build strong reading, writing skills with a little conversation

Teachers expect students to think about what they’ve read and draw conclusions. As a parent, there are ways to motivate your child to develop the thinking skills he’ll need. Best of all, they’re easy and fun to try. You can:

• Ask questions that require your child to think. If you watch a TV show together, talk about it afterward. “Why do you think Julia did that?” or “Do you think things like that happen in real life?”
• Share your thoughts when you haven’t yet made up your mind. You might say, “I am still not sure who I’ll vote for in the mayor’s election.” Then talk about the strengths of the people running for that office. Your child may have some great insights.
• Set aside time to read together—and then talk about what you’ve read. Some families make one meal a week their “reading dinner.” Everyone brings a book to the table. But after a few minutes, family members talk about what they’re reading and ask questions about what everyone else has read.
• Make the most of car time. Parents know that the best talks often take place in the car. So ask your child about what’s going on in his life. Listen to his answers.
• Keep a shared journal. Try reading the same book. Take turns writing notes to each other about your reactions to what you’ve read.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2006 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2006 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Janet Angelis, “Using Conversation to Help Children with Reading and Writing,” Our Children, October 2003 (National PTA, 1-800-307-4782, www.pta.org).