20 Ways for Parents to Encourage Reading

· Ask yourself, “What might my child like to read?” Use interests and hobbies as a starting point.

· Leave a variety of reading materials including books and magazines around your home.

· Notices what attracts your child’s attention. Bring home more information on the same subject.

· Let your child see you reading for pleasure.

· Take your child to the library regularly.

· Present reading as an activity with a purpose.

· Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters.

· Play games that are reading related.

· Share your reactions to the things you read, and encourage your children to do the same.

· Set aside a regular time for reading in your family. As little a 10 minutes of reading a day can help improve your child’s skills and habits.

· Read aloud to your child.

· Encourage your child to read aloud to you an exciting passage in a book, an interesting fact from the newspaper, or a joke in a joke book.

· Give books and magazines on gift-giving occasions.

· Set aside a special place for children to keep their own books.

· Introduce the bookmark.

· Treat your children to an evening of laughter and entertainment featuring books!

· Extend your child’s positive reading experience.

· Offer special incentives to encourage your child’s reading.

· Limit your children’s TV viewing in an effort to make time for other activities, such as reading.

· Take advantage of the many opportunities for reading during the course of your family’s busy day.