READ

The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go- Dr. Suess

​Read early and read often.
The early years are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading. You can't start reading to a child too soon!

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• Before reading, 
  Look at the cover and the pictures in the book. Ask you child questions about the book- have them come up with some ideas of what they think the book is about. Teach them the importance of caring for a book so it can be enjoyed again and again.

•  Help books become alive.
  Read with fun in your voice. Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices for different characters. Ham it up!
  Engage your child so he or she will actively listen to a story. Discuss what's happening, point out things on the page, and answer your child's questions. Ask questions of your own and listen to your child's responses.
  
  
• ​Know when to stop.​ If your child loses interest or has trouble paying attention, just put the book away for a while. Don't continue reading if your child is not enjoying it.

• Read it again and again and again.
   When a child finds a favorite book, he/ she will ask you to read it over and over.  Repeated readings help children develop language skills.  So go ahead and read a book as many times as you child asks. Let your child memorize the words and “read” with you. 

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•  Talk about writing, too.

          Draw your child's attention to the way writing works. When looking at a book together, point out how we read from left to right               and how words are separated by spaces. 

• Point out print everywhere.
  Written words are everywhere, not just in books.  Point out words you see on store fronts, signs, newspapers and labels on food.   When you child asks questions about a word, respond with interest.  Play games together and find  new word every time you go on an outing. 
  
  
• Say how much you enjoy reading together.
  Make reading fun and make sure you tell your child how much you enjoy reading together.  Make it a special time that you can both look forward to. 
  
  
• Keep a book with you wherever you go!
• Read to your child each day-   use opportunities to "sneak " in a book while dinner is cooking, when you are waiting for an appointment, or at bedtime.
  
  
• Visit one of the great local libraries 
  Let your child pick out books that you can read together.  Take advantage of  story hours and other activities offered at the local library.

         LISTING OF LOCAL LIBRARY STORY HOURS



Check out these great resources for other tips for reading with your child.

Reading Is Fundamental | Reading with Your Child

NAEYC Reading Aloud with Children of All Ages