Improve your child’s communication

In Early Grades K–2

• Talk with your child a lot.

• Read different types of books. Read every day, and talk with your child about the story.

• Help your child learn sound patterns of words. You can play rhyming games and point out letters as you read.

• Have your child retell stories and talk about his day.

• Talk with your child about what you do during the day. Give her directions to follow.

• Talk about how things are the same and different.

• Give your child chances to write.

In Later Grades 3-5

• Keep your child reading. Find books and magazines that interest your child.

• Ask your child what he thinks about what he hears or reads. Connect what he reads to events in his life.

• Help your child connect what she reads and hears at school, home, and other events.

• Talk out loud as you help your child read about and solve problems.

• Help your child recognize spelling patterns. For example, point out the beginnings and endings of words, like "pre-" or "–ed."

• Get your child to write letters, keep a diary, and write stories.