Reading can help children learn throughout their lives. And reading can be one of the cheapest—and most enjoyable—forms of entertainment. Here are some ways you can encourage your child to become a better reader:

• Let your child see you reading every day. What you read doesn't matter. You might read the sports pages. You might pick up a mystery novel. But your child will see that you make time for reading.

• Have books and magazines available. A weekly trip to the library can keep your home filled with interesting things for your children to read.

• Limit the amount of time your children spend watching television. Time spent in front of the TV is time that isn't spent reading.

• In addition to doing homework, expect your children to do some reading that isn't assigned every day. Reading is a skill. It gets better with practice.

• Set aside some times for family reading. Of course, young children should be read to every day. But kids are never too old to enjoy hearing a favorite book read aloud.

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