1. Read Yourself: a the parent or caregiver, you can model the importance of reading by reading in front of your child. You can read the newspaper, magazines, or curling up with a good book, it doesn't matter what you read, just that you ARE reading.
2. Make sure your children read every day: researchers have found that children who spend at least 20 minutes a day reading for fun develop the skills to be better readers in school. Reading is a skill and needs to be practiced so take time every day to read from books, newspapers, magazines, even online computer reading is acceptable.
3. Get the library habit: make sure everyone in the family has a library card and schedule regular trips to your local library. This is a great opportunity to check out a book for yourself and model the value of adult reading, as well.
4. Read aloud to your children: start reading to your children when they are young and continue when they become older. You will both enjoy the chance to go something together. Select a time that is convenient to the family, such as: before bedtime, after dinner, even at breakfast, whatever works for your family.
5. Use the newspaper to encourage reading: do a scavenger hunt: • find a map of the United States • find a picture of a favorite athlete • locate the weather forecast for the day • find three words that begin with the letter "p", "t", "m" • find the titles of local movies playing in your town
6. Give books as gifts: create a "home library" of collected books and add to the library on special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
7. Make reading a privilege: use reading as an award system (never as a punishment) and give extra reading minutes for good behavior or special treat.
8. If you are not a good reader yourself, you can still encourage your children: as your children learn how to read, have them become the family reader and read to you. Talk about the books your child has read and ask questions that will encourage comprehension strategies. Invite other family members to read with your child, too.
