Reading With our Child

How exciting it is when children reach the point where they can read on their own! Without doubt, reading with children spells success for early literacy. Putting a few simple strategies into action will make a significant difference in helping children develop into good readers and writers.

Through reading aloud, providing print materials, and promoting positive attitudes about reading and writing, you can have a powerful impact on your child's literacy and learning. Reading well is at the heart of all learning. Children, who can't read well, can't learn. Help make a difference for your child.

Here are a few suggestions to encourage them in this important skill:

1. Let them see you reading; they will want to do as you do.

2. Invite your child to read with you every day.

3. Follow up your child's latest interests with books.

4. Read to your child and listen to your child read from his favorite book over and over.

5. Help your child create a library of his or her own.

6. Make it a treat to read in bed.

7. Play a summer reading game at your local library.

8. A subscription to a magazine is a terrific gift.

9. Don't hesitate to select books from lists compiled for other grade levels.

10. Limit TV viewing.

11. Encourage a variety of children's books, including fairy tales, songbooks, poems, and information books.