The ABCs Of Reading To
And With Your Child
(From The MAILBOX Bookbag • Dec/Jan 1998-99)

A sk questions while reading together. "What do you think will happen next?"

B uy books as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays.

C hat about what is happening in the book and how it relates to everyday life.

D rop everything and read. Set aside 20 minutes a day during which the whole family reads.

E xamine book illustrations in detail. Select books that have large, bright pictures.

Find books that interest your child. Make suggestions, but don't turn reading into work.

G ive hints when your child gets stuck on a word.

H ave fun. Smile and enjoy the story. Read with a slow, relaxed voice and be expressive.

I nvite your child to the bookstore. Take time to lounge in the chairs and browse the books.

J oin in your child's reading successes. Celebrate every small step with sincere praise.

K ids love to receive mail. Send your child a magazine subscription in an area that interests him or her.

L earn to read with, and not just to, your child daily. Read aloud, share ideas, and answer questions.

M odel reading. Share with your child, whether you're reading for information or for entertainment.

N ever force your child to read. If you're both too tired or discouraged to read, take a break.

O ffer your child a variety of reading materials, such as books, magazines, cereal boxes, comics, and newspapers.

P redict story elements, draw conclusions, and retell the story with your child.

Q uiz your child at the end of a story. Informally, of course!

R eread books to familiarize your child with words and to build self-confidence.

S ing songs, recite poetry, and do fingerplays to help develop language and listening skills.

T ry to help your child understand that it's okay to make mistakes.

U nderstand that reading is developmental and that it takes time and practice to become fluent.

V isit your local library on a regular basis. Sign your child up for his or her own library card.

W elcome wordless picture books into your collections. They generate conversation and allow the nonreader to create his or her own stories.

"X hibit" patience when your child is selecting books. Your support is empowering.

Y ou are the most important person in helping your child develop a lifelong love of reading.

Z ealous readers are the result of supportive and nurturing role models.

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