Raising a Reader

Here are some tips to help your children develop a love of reading.

1. Read to your child regularly. It is a good idea to read at the same time each day to establish the habit. (For example: after lunch, at bedtime, etc.)
    
2. Teach your child to treat books carefully. Establish a special place to keep them.
    
3. When you are reading to your child, have him/her identify items on the page. Talk about the items that are familiar.
    
4. Make reading a pleasant time. Pick a comfortable stop, let your child sit on your lap and allow him/her to help turn the pages.
    
5. When you read, show your child that you start at the beginning of the book, right side up and work toward the back. He/She will follow your example.
    
6. Be enthusiastic. Make it sound like fun. Enjoy the book with your child.
    
7. Let your child choose the book(s) to be read. Repetition is good, so do not be discouraged with reading the same books over and over.
    
8. Sometimes, let your child tell the story as you turn the pages.
    
9. Talk to your child about what you have read. Explain things. Answer his/her questions. Ask questions about what is read.
    
10. Try to involve your child in the story. For example, ask why the bunny hid in the grass or how would you like to climb the beanstalk, etc.
     
11. Take your child to the library. Check to see if there are any story times or programs available for your child. Take out books for your child and for yourself. Reading is great for everyone.
     
12. Don’t force reading. When he/she displays an interest, support and encourage. Forcing may cause negative feelings toward reading later on.
     
13. Teach your child nursery rhymes. Say them together. Encourage rhyming words.
     
14. Be a good listener. Encourage your child to tell you things. Make him/her feel important and have positive feelings about him/herself.

Selecting Books:

• Is the book about things that interest your child?
• Does the book illustrate values that you feel are appropriate for your child?
• Is the book well illustrated, the pictures intelligible to a child, and do they help tell the story?
• Is the book an easy size for your child to handle?