Reading opens the door for better communication and speech learning. It paves the way for special needs children to reach their full literacy potential. How can you incorporate reading in developing your child’s literacy skills? Here are 10 effective activities to make reading your partner in fostering your child’s full potential and meeting the requirements of your special needs child:

1.Read aloud to your child. Find some time to read to your child. Reading aloud helps the child develop his speech skills. It prepares the child to read on his own. Reading aloud is very effective especially with pre-school children and those children with speech difficulties.

2.Give the child the chance to pick the reading material of his choice. Give him several options so he can choose which one he likes most. This makes reading more interesting and it ensures the child’s participation on the activity.

3.Read to the child on a regular basis. Set a schedule for the reading activity. This will help the child develop his full literacy potential.

4.Other members of the family should also be seen reading. When a child sees his brothers, sisters or parents reading, he will be motivated to do so. Nothing beats teaching by example.

5.When outside the house, encourage your child to read on labels and signs. Don’t miss any opportunity that will help develop your child’s literacy skills.

6.Ask questions after reading a story. This enhances the child’s memory and at the same time, encourages him to speak out his ideas.

7.Don’t read the ending of the story. Let the child predict it. This develops creative thinking and at the same time, enhances verbal expression.

8.Allow the child to ask questions. Don’t stop him when he interferes with the reading activity to ask something.

9.Use cloze sentences in reading. This refers to activities wherein you say the first part of the sentence or a phrase and let the child end it. This is suitable for rhyme activities.

10.Use interesting, attractive and educational literacy materials. Special needs child will not read or listen unless what is being read arouses their interest. One advisable literacy material is the POPS resources. Words are easy and the activities suit the needs of special children.

These ten reading activities will help special needs children develop reading and speech skills. Reading and speech are primary factors that serve as foundation for better learning. Every child has the ability to reach his full potential. Help your child by engaging him in reading activities.