When the selection is too hard

First, you can take turns reading sentences or paragraphs. This allows your child to read, while helping to prevent frustration at the difficulty.

You can also use Choral Reading, which means that the two of you read the words out loud together. This helps the child gain confidence by reading the words they know, while you support them by helping with the words that are too hard. (Make sure the child reads also.)

The third option is to read the selection to your child. Make sure you stop frequently to ask questions about what’s being read. This helps to develop ‘oral’ reading comprehension and is a valid skill children should learn. Just make sure to use other methods also.

So... what do you do if the book is too hard, or your child just isn't interested in the story they're supposed to read that night?