Encourage your child to read

Read aloud to your child whether he/she is a toddler or a high school student. This is the most important thing you can do to help your child learn to read and enjoy reading.

Show that reading is important by letting your child see you read.

Give your child books. Research shows that children who are successful readers own their own books and have a special place to store them.

Have plenty of books, magazines, and newspapers in your home.

Take your child to the library frequently. Encourage your child to browse through books before making a selection.

Limit TV viewing and electronic gaming. When children watch less television they often spend more time reading.

Set an early bedtime. Say, “Bedtime is at 7:30, or you can read with the light on until 8:00.” Let it be your child’s choice.