| Ask
questions while reading together. "What
do you think will happen next?" |
| Buy
books as gifts for birthdays, Christmas,
Hanukkah, or other holidays. |
| Chat
about what is happening in the book and how it
relates to everyday life. |
| Drop
everything and read. Set aside 20
minutes a day during which the whole family
reads. |
| Examine
book illustrations in detail. Select
books that have large, bright pictures. |
| Find
books that interest your child. Make
suggestions, but don't turn reading into work. |
| Give
hints when your child gets stuck on a word. |
| Have
fun. Smile and enjoy the story.
Read with a slow, relaxed voice and be
expressive. |
| Invite
your child to the bookstore. Take time
to lounge in the chairs and browse the books. |
| Join
in your child's reading successes.
Celebrate every small step with sincere
praise. |
| Kids
love to receive mail. Send your child a
magazine subscription in an area that
interests him or her. |
| Learn
to read with, and not just to, your child
daily. Read aloud, share ideas, and
answer questions. |
| Model
reading. Share with your child, whether
you're reading for information or for
entertainment. |
| Never
force your child to read. It you're both
too tired or discouraged to read, take a
break. |
| Offer
your child a variety of reading materials,
such as books, magazines, cereal boxes, comics
and newspapers. |
| Predict
story elements, draw conclusions, and retell
the story with your child. |
| Quiz
your child at the end of the story.
Informally, of course! |
| Reread
books to familiarize your child with words and
to build self-confidence. |
| Sing
songs, recite poetry, and do finger plays to
help develop language and listening skills. |
| Try
to help your child understand that it's okay
to make mistakes. |
| Understand
that reading is developmental and that it
takes time and practice to become fluent. |
| Visit
your local public library on a regular basis.
Sign your child up for his or her own library
card. |
| Welcome
wordless picture books into your collections.
They generate conversation and allow the
nonreader to create his or her own stories. |
| eXhibit
patience when your child is selecting books.
Your support is empowering. |
| You
are the most important person in helping your
child develop a lifelong love of reading. |
| Zealous
readers are the result of supportive and
nurturing role models. |
|
~
author unknown ~ |
