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Start reading to your child when they are young!
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Immerse your home with reading materials- books, magazines, newspapers, etc! |
Lead by example. Show them how important reading is by making it part of your day. |
When reading a predictable story, pause at a key word or phrase and have your child guess which word comes next. |
Set aside one special time during the day for a story. |
Always read a book's title, author, and illustrator to your child, EACH time you read a book. |
Upon reading a new book, look at the cover with your child and ask them what they think the book is going to be about. |
Stop during the reading of a book and ask your child to predict what they think is going to happen next. |
On certain occasions, take the time to read above your child's intellectual level to challenge their mind. |
If you run out of time while reading a long chapter, stop at a suspenseful part to engage your child's interest and desire to continuing reading later. |
If resuming a story from a previous read aloud, be sure to review with your child what they/you have already read. |
Use expression when reading, change your voice to fit the dialogue and characters! |
Adjust your pace while reading. Lower your voice and slow your reading during suspenseful parts of a story. |
When reading, don't rush the moment. Read slowly, allowing your child to build mental pictures in their head while listening. |
When applicable, add a "third dimension" to your storytelling. For example, if reading, "If You Give A Dog A Donut," have a donut for your child to eat after the story is finished. |
Track the stories that you are reading. Create a sticker chart or a growing caterpillar on the wall, with book titles written upon it. |
If your child is a reluctant reader or someone who is highly active, don't be scared to give them a piece of paper and some crayons to doodle with while they listen to the story. |
Take the opportunity to read a book while traveling on road trips. |
Have a "babysitter book basket" ready for babysitters when they come to your house. Encourage reading over television! |
ATTENTION FATHERS: Take every opportunity you can to read to your child. A father's involvement with reading can promote great positive thoughts towards reading for a child. |