Raise a Good Reader!

Research has clearly shown that reading books interactively with children when they are young contributes to their love of reading and their future success in school. Isn’t it wonderful that something so easy and enjoyable can have such an impact? All you have to do is ensure that reading time is an experience you and your child anticipate with pleasure. If you aren’t already, begin reading with your children at least 20 minutes a day. With all the electronic "toys" out there today, you might think that getting your kids to read will be a hassle. Here are some tips to help make reading time fun!

1. Read to your child every day. If you read to your children from infancy, reading together will become a special part of your family routine. Making time to read together is a must if you are on a mission to raise an active reader. Children enjoy book reading during the day, but they especially love hearing a book when it’s part of their bedtime routine.
2. Choose enjoyable books and encourage your child to take part in the story. Select books that have fun, distinct pictures and simple rhythmic language. The books children become truly engaged in are ones that have predictable or repeated refrains. When you read, point to the pictures in the book, talk about them, and stop at the “natural stopping” places to encourage your child to respond to what is on the page.
3. Keep favorite books in the car. If you’re often on the go, they can be a life-saver for long trips.
4. Be animated. Point to the pictures and talk about them in an exaggerated fashion. Use different tones of voice to make the characters sound real and unique from one another.
5. Lead by example. If your children see you regularly reading books, magazines, recipes and directions, they will draw the conclusion that reading is fun and helpful. Children always want to do what you do – if they only see you watch TV, they will want to watch it too.
6. Let them choose. Ask your child’s teacher for a list of books that relate to what is happening at school. Your child will let you know which books he or she likes – all you have to do is watch and listen for his or her response. Don’t save a book until you think your child can understand all the words. They will pick up the meaning from the pictures and most importantly, from you.