Be a reader!  Have lots of books and magazines at home and let your child see you making time to read.  Passing on your love of reading is a priceless gift!

Develop your child’s home library and give them a special place for their books. Used bookstores, yard sales and library book sale tables are great places to build up an inexpensive collection. 

Give books as gifts!  It will show that you see them as something special.

Get your child their own library card and make regular visits to the library to “stock up” on reading material for the whole family. 

We all enjoy being read to, so don’t limit this to just the younger children in the family. Catch older children’s interest by reading aloud short sections from books or articles you think they might enjoy - then give them the full-length version to read on their own.

Talking to your children about what you are reading lets them know that you value reading as an activity.

Use your child’s other interests (such as sports, computers or music) to help spark reading motivation.  Introduce some of the fabulous non-fiction books that are available on practically any topic or look for theme-related fiction or biographies.

If a child can read fluently or is reading above their grade level, they may try to read books that are too mature for them in terms of language, themes etc.  Your library can provide lists of great age-appropriate books for all levels.

Respect your child’s reading interests!  There’s nothing wrong with series fiction, comics or “fluff” if it keeps them turning the pages!  Devouring quick, easy reads will build reading confidence in preparation for tackling more difficult material.

As children grow, they become increasingly busy with sports, clubs and other activities. Help them find time to read for pleasure by not letting them become “overscheduled”.

Sincerely,