Reading is Essential, Vital, Important, Fundamental. Life is at a standstill if you cannot read. 16 Tips to help your Child enjoy Reading.

1. Ask him/her the genre that they like and buy/or get a book from the library.   

2. The book, must not be, more than 100 pages.

3. Read every day.

4. Read aloud.

5. During your reading time, DON’T ANSWER THE TELEPHONE. THE TELEVISION AND THE RADIO MUST BE TURNED OFF.

6. If there are other children in the home, let them all sit and listen to the story.

7. Let your child know that you will be reading together.

8. You start reading first.

9. It does not matter what the story is about – you could make it exciting and interesting by the tone of your voice and also by your actions.

10. Read the first page then ask your child to read aloud the second page.

11. Do not stop your child while he/she is reading. Let him/her continue reading.

12. When your child asks you to stop reading, you may do so, but if you feel you should continue, say to him/her. “I like this story. May I read a little more?” In most cases they would say yes. Read a little more then tell your child you would continue the story the next day. If your child wants to continue reading let him/her continue.

13. Ask your child his/her opinion of the story. This is your moment to spend quality time together, to share thoughts, ideas and experiences with each other.

14. If your child needs to point at the words in the book to read, it’s okay to let him/her do that.

15. If you are tired say to your child. “I am tired, but I want to hear the story. Can you please read to me? Let him/her know that you truly want to hear the story.

16.  Read anywhere. WHILE YOU ARE PREPARING DINNER, YOUR CHILD CAN STAND OR SIT IN THE KITCHEN AND READ TO YOU. READ ON THE BUS, READ ON THE TRAIN, READ IN THE PARK, READ IN THE DOCTOR’S WAITING ROOM, ON YOUR BED, FIND THE MOST COMFORTABLE SPOT AND READ! READ! READ!