Make reading to your child a daily priority

Learning to read can be challenging for young children, but fortunately parents can help! One of the most important ways you can help your kids become successful readers is by reading aloud to them early and often.

The award-winning children's program Between the Lions emphasizes the importance of reading aloud. Cubs Lionel and Leona learn to read together with the help of their supportive parents, Cleo and Theo, who eagerly teach them how to love and enjoy reading. In every episode, Cleo and Theo begin by reading a story or poem aloud to their cubs. Together the family discusses the story and any important themes and word meanings. As Cleo or Theo are reading to their cubs, viewers can see the words of the story on the screen, and each word is highlighted as it is read aloud. One key word from the story is highlighted in exciting and attention-grabbing ways!

The program also uses creative skits, music videos or adventureseries to help young viewers learn about the spelling of the word, other rhyming vocabulary, and how to pronounce the word phonetically. Parents will learn how being creative and reading aloud to their children will pave the way to successful reading!

View

Mixing laughter, music and adventure, kids can learn and grow with Between the Lions at 2 p.m. every weekday on WHYY TV12. As viewers read along with a story as it is read aloud to them, they will be better prepared for success with reading when they get to school.

Do

Become the author!

Reading out loud to your kids is essential, but why not spark your childrenÔø‡s interest by being creative at the same time! Reading with an interactive reading style will allow your children to actively experience reading. Follow these tips the next time you read a book to your children:

1) Ask them to retell the story themselves. As your children paraphrase or retell the story in their own words, they will be demonstrating their speaking and listening skills while also becoming comfortable using the storyÔø‡s vocabulary. They will tell the story in the order it was told to them and thus become aware that stories have a beginning, middle and an end. Retelling the story themselves will give your children the confidence that will help them to learn to read and write.

2) Ask them to make up an ending of their own! By making up an ending of their own, children will build their vocabulary while also having fun using their imagination. They can demonstrate their own opinions about certain characters or show their sympathy for a situation or obstacle in the story. Understanding that books express ideas or real-life situations is a big step in kidsÔø‡ literacy development.

Read

Barnyard Banter by Denise Fleming In this brightly illustrated rhyming adventure, a goose chases a butterfly through a group of noisy and lively barn animals. Recommended for children ages 4 to 7

Bright Eyes, Brown Skin by Bernette G. Ford & Cheryl Willis Hudson; illustrated by George Ford In this charming, African-American rhyming tale, children take pleasure in a typical day at school. Recommended for children ages 3 to 6

Learn More

Visit the Between the Lions Web site with your children, where you can guide them as they practice their reading and spelling skills. With video clips and songs from the show, games and fun things to print, kids can challenge themselves while reading, spelling and figuring things out on their own!