| All parents know that reading is an important part of | | | | conversational skills. Take turns coming up with |
| their child's development. When your child develops | | | | questions about the book to help stimulate discussion. |
| his or her reading skills, she will become better at | | | | Don't be afraid to check out the book's or publisher's |
| comprehending ideas and concepts, develop positive | | | | website for reading guides or asking your local |
| language skills and almost naturally, become a better | | | | children's librarian for some picks. And don't forget to |
| speller. | | | | bring the treats - just like a grown up book club, |
| Reading is also a lot of fun and can be a great | | | | there's nothing like noshing and reading. |
| bonding activity for parents and children. But in | | | | 5. Read at Bedtime - Reading at bed time is a great |
| today's age when an army of electronic devices are | | | | for both children and parents. It gives you both a |
| competing for your daughter's time and attention, | | | | chance to connect quietly at the end of the day. You |
| how do you raise a good reader? | | | | can share the story and discuss the characters. You |
| Here are 5 easy and effective tips for raising a great | | | | might also consider reading a chapter book with one |
| reader | | | | or two chapters a night - your kids will look forward |
| 1. Read Daily - Practice makes perfect and reading on | | | | to what happens next. You'll both feel relaxed and |
| a daily basis reinforces basic literacy skills and | | | | ready for shuteye when you add reading to your |
| cements the idea that reading is an important - and a | | | | bedtime ritual. |
| necessary part of life - just like brushing teeth and | | | | And finally - a bonus tip - Let them choose - reading |
| watching TV. | | | | tends to become less exciting as children grow, but |
| 2. Go to Your Public Library - Did you know that | | | | you can counter that by providing a range of suitable |
| many children today have never visited a library | | | | materials from kid-friendly magazines on their favorite |
| outside the one at school? Sometimes with sports | | | | subject to variety of books. Work together to find |
| and other activities, a visit to the library may be low | | | | some of your child's favorite genres - whether it's |
| on your to do list, but an outing to the library is one | | | | how-to non-fiction, history, mysteries or slice of life |
| your child will respond positively to. Help them sign up | | | | narratives. Don't forget to consider comic books and |
| for their own library card and let them pick books to | | | | graphic novels. And don't be afraid to allow your child |
| read. You can help them keep track of their library | | | | to stretch her reading abilities by reading more |
| books by marking a calendar with the due date and | | | | complex books - if you have any concerns, screen |
| having a special bag or basket just for library books. | | | | the book first or use any subject matter that may |
| And don't forget that the quiet nooks and crannies | | | | be mature as an opportunity for discussion about |
| of a library can make it seem like a magical place and | | | | how to handle a dicey situation. |
| will enhance the reading experience. | | | | You could also share a book with your child - this |
| 3. Lead (or Read) by Example - If your kids see you | | | | works well with a young adult or chapter book. Each |
| reading from a young age, very likely they will want | | | | night mom, dad or the kids can take a turn reading a |
| to model what mommy or daddy is doing. Read for | | | | chapter aloud. Don't be afraid to let a little drama into |
| fun and pleasure and show your kids what you're | | | | the mix - funny accents and intonations will make this |
| reading and explain why you like to read it - for the | | | | fun for everyone. |
| action, adventure, even information value. Show that | | | | It's true that books today are competing with a |
| reading makes you a "better" person and they'll be | | | | variety of other things for your child's attention. |
| inspired to try it for themselves | | | | Raising a good reader may seem to be a lot harder |
| 4. Start a book club - You can easily start this with a | | | | job than it once was, but it's not an impossible task. |
| few other parents. Set a weekly meeting time with a | | | | By exposing your children to books from a young |
| small group of children to discuss a new book This | | | | age, you'll create an enthusiasm for reading. Don't |
| way children will see their parents getting involved | | | | forget to lead by example and you'll be sure to raise |
| and will also have the chance to develop grown up | | | | a good future reader. |