Tips to Encourage Reading

Dear Parents,

Below is a list of things you can do at home to encourage your child to develop a love of reading without it seeming like "work". My mother-in-law teaches education courses at TWU and is a wonderful resource for me when it comes to teaching reading. Some of these tips you may already know about and are doing - that is great! I just wanted to share this with you in case you wanted some fresh ideas. I know that you do so much at home to help prepare your child for school, and until your child is old enough to appreciate your hard work and dedication, please allow me to say THANK YOU for them!

Mrs. Dooley


* Put books in places your child will be. If books are beside the toy box, doll house, or family room your child will more than likely pick it up.

* Carry books along when you go to the dentist, doctor, or places you may have to wait. Reading a story or poem may actually soothe a fretful child while they are anxiously waiting for an appointment.

* Put books beside the bathtub. Soaking in the bathtub with a good book is a good habit to develop. In case one gets a little damp, it's easy to dry it out.

* Keep books and magazines in your child's room. They will choose reading more often if books and magazines are there. And when children are "grounded" or in "time out" and sent to their room, they need to find interesting things to do there.

* Have your child help with the grocery list. Children love the sense of accomplishment - and helping! - when they seek out items from the shopping list. Plus, you are getting your child to read - while seemingly doing something else.

* Read recipes. All reading doesn't happen in books. When you're cooking, or planning to, ask your child to help read the ingredients with you.

* Read road signs and names of buildings/stores. While you're driving, ask your child to read the signs - STOP, YIELD, etc. - and also the names of places - restaurants, stores, etc.

* Books on CD or online. None of us have time to read as much as we would like but that is no reason why our children should be denied this pleasure. You can check these out for FREE online or at your local library. Your child will be quietly listening and reading stories without you having to stop your schedule and sit with them. Listening to stories will help build their fluency and sight word recognition.