1. Read from day one. Start a reading routine in those very first days with a
newborn. Even very young babies respond to the warmth of a lap and the soothing
sound of a book being read aloud.
newborn. Even very young babies respond to the warmth of a lap and the soothing
sound of a book being read aloud.
2. Share books every day. Read with your child every day, even after he becomes an
independent reader.
3. Reread favorites. Most children love to hear their favorite stories over and over
again. Rereading books provides an opportunity to hear or see something that may
have been missed the first time, and provides another chance to hear a favorite part.
4. Send positive messages about the joys of literacy. Your own interest and
excitement about books will be contagious!
5. Visit the library early and often. Public libraries are great resources for books,
helpful advice about authors and illustrators, story times, and more. Make visiting
the library part of your family's routine.
6. Find the reading and writing in everyday things. Take the time to show your
child ways that adults use reading and writing every day. Grocery lists, notes to the
teacher, maps, and cooking all involve important reading and writing skills.
7. Give your reader something to think and talk about. There are many different
types of books available to readers. Vary the types of books you check out from the
library, and seek out new subjects that give you and your reader something to think
and talk about.
8. Talk, talk, talk. A child's vocabulary grows through rich conversations with others.
No matter your child's age, narrate what you're doing, talk in full sentences, and
sprinkle your conversations with interesting words.
9. Know your stuff. Parents don't need to be reading specialists, but it is important to
understand the basics about learning to read.
10. Speak up if something doesn't feel right. Parents are often the first ones to
recognize a problem. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak
with your child's teacher and your pediatrician. It's never too early to check in with
an expert.