As a teacher, I believed the most wonderful thing I could do for students was to share my passion for children’s books. As a parent, I was often exhausted after a day in the classroom, sharing that passion! However, my son knew that storytime came before bedtime, and he demanded his books if ever I suggested skipping them. I’d like to think I was devoted to being a good parent, but the truth is, I was mostly too tired to argue.

Everyone knows how important it is for kids to learn to read. I believe the single best thing you can do to help your kids learn, is read to them. Combine that with some of the tips below, and you’ll be giving your children the very best chance you can.

Tips to Encourage Reading

Make reading aloud to your child a daily habit. Babies can absorb the rhythms of     language and they enjoy your undivided attention. Toddlers can listen, imagine, discuss,  look at pictures and acquire pre-reading skills. Older kids can absorb your own    enjoyment of a book, participate in reflection, and wind down before sleep.

Encourage your child to choose a book. I used to have one book I wanted to read aloud, one book my son wanted to have read to him, and perhaps we would have another one “just because”. We chose from local library books, his bookcase, school library books and easy readers, sent home for reading practice once he started school.

Always read so your child can see the text. Put a toddler on your lap, and hold the book where he can follow your finger sliding under the words, when he wants to. Lie next to your child, and hold the book so he can see the words. I have a Book Chook blog entry about some interesting consequences to this approach. You can read some Tips to Encourage Writing, or discover my Read Aloud Hints.