15 Ways To Raise a Reader

15 Ways to Raise a Reader

1. Read to your child every day. Even older children enjoy listening to others read.

2. Make reading time special. Cuddle up in a quiet, comfortable spot.

3. Make stories come alive when you read. Be animated and use different voices. Read your child's favorite stories again and again.

4. Make sure your child reads at least 15 minutes a day, either to you or independently.

5. Be patient with beginning readers. Let them take their time while reading aloud. Offer assistance only when needed.

6. Chat about what you have read. Ask questions, and listen attentively to your child's answer.

7. Encourage your older children to read to their younger siblings.

8. Set reading goals for your child, such as a certain number of books or chapters read within a specific time frame. Reward your child with praise and a small prize for meeting each goal.

9. Bring along a book for your child wherever you go.

10. Take your child to the library often and check out a variety of age-appropriate reading materials.

11. Find books and/or magazines that tie in with your child's interests. For a car lover, for example, check out books on cars or subscribe

to an auto magazine.

12. If your child is a reluctant reader, choose books a couple of grade levels below your child's grade. If a book is too challenging, your child

might get frustrated and give up.

13. Look into children's programs at your public library-especially in summer. Most libraries offer clubs and contests to make reading fun.

14. Check out children's audio books from the library and play them for your child while in the car or at home.

15. Be a role model-read on your own. By seeing how much you enjoy it, your child will learn that reading is a great source of information and fun.