Learning to read and write is only the beginning of literacy. According to a 1993 government survey, 40 to 44 million adults were at the lowest level of literacy, of whom 25 percent were immigrants and 62 percent did not complete high school. In 2003, 30 million Americans were below basic literacy.
Basic grammar skills are taught in upper elementary school classes. By the time your child is in middle school, he needs to have grammar down pat in order to move on to the next level. Practice diagramming sentences over the summer break if you have to. Grammar is not just about punctuation and capitalization.
Reading to themselves, out loud or in front of a mirror are all excellent ways to improve reading comprehension skills. If you are the one doing the reading to your children, be sure and stop to discuss each chapter before moving on. You don't have to quiz them every time; simply relate to the story with real life situations.
Writers make great readers. After he reads a book, encourage your child to write up a brief summary -- or book report -- to check for understanding. Have him start with details about the author. Sometimes researching an author's biography can help your child understand why a book was written. Relating leads to understanding; understanding leads to comprehension.
Artists practice what they do; so should readers. Your young reader will want to read more and more when afforded the time to do it. The library is a great place to hang out and let your child's imagination take control. For older children, reading might need to be put on the schedule. Replace one hour of television or cell phone time each day and replace it with a good book. Start or join a book club and watch their vocabulary and study skills improve. The more your child reads, the more he will retain.