Consider:

• Keeping a journal with your child. You write your thoughts and end with a question for her. She responds, and gives it back to you for another turn.

• Letting your child pick a book to read together. One night she reads a chapter out loud. The next night, you do.

• Putting a “word of the week” on your refrigerator or another visible spot. Open the dictionary and pick a new vocabulary word. Write down the word and its meaning. See how often you can correctly use it in a sentence for the rest of the week. Then choose a new word.

• Building something, such as a dog house or bookshelf, with your child. Put her in charge of finding instructions, figuring out cost and doing measurements for your project.

• Asking your child to plan special family events. Let her do the research to find a good spot for your family vacation. Have her plan a special dinner. Then purchase the food and prepare the meal together.

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