Parents can help their children master this important skill. The National PTA suggests these ways parents can help:

Talk to your children. Spoken language is the basis for reading. Talk about what you are doing around the house. Go for walks and talk about what you see. And try to answer your child's questions. (You can always say "I don't know. Let's find out.")

Let your child see you reading. In this case, actions do speak louder than words. Talk about why you're reading. It may be to find out information. It may be to check something you think you know. Or it may be just for fun.

Make learning fun. Children who enjoy their reading time will want to read again and again. Choose books you both enjoy. And stop reading before your child loses interest.

Read one-on-one. Studies of good readers show they had one person who acted like a "coach." Usually, that person is a parent. But grandparents, relatives, babysitters, neighbors, and even big brothers or sisters can also help. Snuggle up together in a big chair and open a book. You'll both enjoy it.

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