| Inspiring your child to read could be the single most | | | | Know When to Stop |
| important thing you can do to help him succeed in | | | | Little by little is the key. Reading should be fun time. If |
| school. Stories are an excellent way to stimulate the | | | | your child is losing interest, put the book away for a |
| mind and expand the imagination for all of us. | | | | while. If reading time is not surrounded by positive |
| Starting early with your child is the key to a life-long | | | | feelings then negative feelings will emerge. It is very |
| passion for the written word. Use the tips below and | | | | difficult to re-establish the fun in reading when |
| watch your child develop into a proficient reader. | | | | apprehension surfaces. |
| Read Together Every Day | | | | Talk About Writing |
| Read to your child everyday with different voice | | | | Ask your child what she thinks it would be like to write |
| tones. Sometimes you can be fun, crazy, and exciting, | | | | a book like the ones she loves. Mention to her how it's |
| other times be serious and intriguing. Even if your child | | | | interesting how we read from left to right and how the |
| does not understand all the words, you are making | | | | text is separated by spaces, commas, and |
| reading fun and interesting! | | | | paragraphs. |
| Have Your Child Read to You | | | | Point Out Words Everywhere |
| Make this a warm loving time where your child feels | | | | Talk about written words you see in your community: |
| safe to make mistakes. Have your child repeat after | | | | road signs, advertisements, bumper stickers, and |
| you. Start with simple phrases and words and move | | | | grocery stores. Challenge your child to find at least |
| forward as your child progresses. | | | | two new words on each outing. Then celebrate her |
| Show How Much You Love to Read | | | | discoveries with positive body language, exciting tones |
| Tell your child that you need a certain amount of time | | | | of voice, and positive words of encouragement. |
| every day to read by yourself. "This is my time," tell | | | | Follow the above tips and watch your child develop a |
| her. This shows how much you enjoy reading. | | | | strong vocabulary and passion for the written word. |
| Research shows that 55% of communication is body | | | | The importance of reading with your children cannot |
| language, 38% tone of voice, and only 7% the content. | | | | be over emphasized. |
| If you are reading and enjoying it, your child is more | | | | Reading is a wonderful way to bond with your children |
| likely to model that behavior. You may even find your | | | | and provides memories they will carry with them all |
| child picking up your books and pretending to read. | | | | their lives. Proficiency in reading, more than any other |
| Get Excited About Reading With Your Child | | | | skill, increases their potential for success in school and |
| Throughout the day tell your child how much you are | | | | as an adult. |
| looking forward to "Story Time!" Remember the | | | | In short, reading with your children is a gift that gives |
| percentages of communication above. | | | | for a lifetime. |