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It's never too early or too late to start reading aloud to your child! Begin reading NOW if you haven't already! Read to your child even if he/she already knows how to read.
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Read together every day. Make reading part of your daily routine, perhaps at bedtime. Read a book instead of turning on the television.
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Encourage your children to read with each other and with other adults and friends.
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Keep books where your child can reach them. Check out books at the library, borrow them, or buy them. Give them as gifts.
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Read many different kinds of books. Children enjoy informational books, story books, silly books, scary books, short books, long books, rhyming books. . . .
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Let your child be the leader. Read books your child chooses, and end the reading when your child loses interest. Don't force your child to read or listen to a book. Keep reading time pleasant for both of you.
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Read your child's favorite book more than once. Then read it again. And again.
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Find a quiet, cozy place to read. Hold your child close to you, where you can both enjoy the book and your closeness.
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Interact with the books you're reading. Encourage your child to talk about illustrations or relate the characters' experiences to their own experiences. Answer your child's questions about the book. Make predictions about what will happen next in a story. Point out letters or familiar words, and encourage but don't force your child to read with you.
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Model your own reading and writing. Let your child see you read magazines, books, grocery lists, newspapers, and other materials, both for pleasure and information.
