One way to encourage your child to read is by choosing a book with a quick, exciting beginning.

Ask the school librarian or your child’s teacher for books that get off to a fast start. Mysteries and adventure books often grab a child’s attention from the first page. Then try reading a chapter or two aloud. If your child is hooked, give her the book and let her read the rest for herself.

If she’s bored, don’t force her to keep reading. Letting kids choose their books can help them learn selective or analytical reading.

Finally, ask your child to tell you about the action and the characters. Active readers who think about the story as they go are more likely to be good readers.

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