Help Your Child Become a Reader

• Read aloud to your child as often as possible. Remember that children of all ages love to hear books read aloud. Keep reading to your child even after he/she learns to read.
• Talk about what you read. Language and thinking skills develop when children talk.
• Have your child read aloud to you. Keep it fun and enjoyable.
• Get a public library card. Make visiting the library a special weekly event.
• Make sure your child owns books and cares for them. Encourage relatives to give books as gifts.
• Encourage your child to read to others. Brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends enjoy sharing favorite stories.
• Let your child see you reading a variety of printed material: newspapers, magazines, books, forms, recipes, etc. Parents are the most important role models.
• Provide opportunities to write. Allow your child to make grocery lists, send thank-you letters, write notes to friends and relatives and family members, and encourage them to keep a journal.
• Monitor television viewing. Set time limits and make good decisions about which programs are suitable for viewing. Watch television together and discuss the program content.
• Become involved with your child's school. If you show an interest, your child will know the home-school connection is important and the school will appreciate your support.
• Listen to your child. Your attention will build your child's self-esteem while he/she develops oral language confidence.