Foremost, children need your praise and encouragement. It’s good to note their progress.

Also be sure to:

• Provide easy-to-read books that your child can read alone.
• Get your child her own library card. Go to the library regularly.
• Notice what your child is interested in. Then find books and magazines about those things.
• Talk about books—the ones you read together and the ones your child reads on her own.
• Take time to listen to your child read aloud.
• Suggest your child read to a younger neighbor, brother, or sister.
• Keep reading aloud to your child. Read material that will challenge your child’s thinking and build vocabulary.
• Help your child find time for reading. Make sure she’s not overly scheduled.
• Go places and do new things. More background knowledge gives children a basis for understanding what they read.
• Encourage writing. Ask your child to add to your shopping list, take messages, make her own cards and write letters.

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