Benefits

Reading to your child can be beneficial in more ways than one. Perhaps the most important benefit is the time you will spend together. You�ll share a special moment by taking part in an activity that can be done almost any time and any place. Sitting on your lap, your child will have a sense of security. You�ll get to know each other and deepen your relationship.

Reading can be compared to art, the more you draw, the better an artist you�ll become. Likewise, the more you read, the better a reader you�ll be. Your child will not criticize your reading skills. Even if you have a rocky start, with time, your reading skills will get better.

By reading the story aloud, your child will learn to follow a story from beginning to end. New vocabulary will be introduced. When there�s more than one language spoken in the household, the child will develop his hearing to the language and be able to use the correct pronunciation. There�s also picture identification and labeling various items in the book.

When the child follows the story line, letter recognition develops. Try adding an extra word in the story - your child will tell you know that he�s heard the difference. You�ll also be enhancing your child�s love of words. A child that is read to will grow up to be a reader. Reading is one of life�s essential skills. Could you go a day without reading? Later on in your reading sessions, your child will associate the picture with the word and those pre-reading skills are golden.

What to read

Borrowing books from the local library is a frugal way to read to your child and their supply is always renewing. Grandparents, aunts and other family members are often at a loss when it comes to birthdays and other gift-giving holidays. Suggest an age-appropriate book club or magazine subscription. There are many sites on the Internet available with children�s stories.

If you can�t find a book to read, try your newspaper. You could read the comics together, the sports or lifestyle section. Don�t be surprise when a child gets attached to one particular book. Be prepared to read that book over and over again.

The Atmosphere

When setting up a reading session, you�ll need a cozy corner with good lighting and a comfortable chair or couch for both of you. Use a blanket to cuddle under and don�t forget your book.

Set aside a special time to read to your child. Young children younger than 6 probably will be content with a 10 to 15 minute reading session. Give it a try! You may find it�s as much fun for you as it is for your child.

Key Ingredients for successful reading:

� Find something interesting to read

� Change your tone of voice, use low and high pitch, use sqeaking sounds, whistles and other mouth noises

� Involve your child in the reading

� Discuss with your child the people in the story and what happened

� Play with the ending, e.g. What happened to�? What if�?

� Most important � LAUGH AND HAVE FUN WITH YOUR CHILD.

by Audrey Margolies

The importance of reading in your child's early school career cannot be overemphasized. The good reader will be more likely to find success while the poor reader will usually be at a disadvantage in all areas of school life. This sheet contains some practical suggestions that have proven successful in assisting children with their reading.

1. Work towards creating a relaxed atmosphere at home. Your child should feel accepted, respected and not under the undue pressure.

2. Encourage your child's ability to express himself in conversation. Show him that you are actively interested in what he has to say.

3. Take your child for regular hearing and eye test!:. Hearing problems

may impede classroom comprehension. Note that standard eye chart tests may indicate perfect vision but fusion and other visual problems may exist nonetheless.

4. Take your child to the public library regularly. He should have his own library card as soon as possible. While you should guide him to the right book section, he should make his own selections.

5. Children learn to read by reading. Help your child to find reading at home an enjoyable experience. Buy him some interesting books that he can read easily and help him organize his own home library. Let him help choose his books but do not be disappointed if he does not read every book you buy.

6. In addition to the home library, keep a few of your child's books in the area where he spends his time, such as on a table in the playroom. These books should be changed frequently.

7. Show your child issues of several children's magazines and if he shows an interest, let him subscribe to one.

8. Encourage your child to read about his own hobbies and interests; for example, stamps, pets and sports.

9. Capitalize on current movies and television show!, which your child has seen by providing him with the books upon which they Here based.. Show him books dealing with the same subject matter.

10. Show your child that the family takes an interest in reading. Have books, magazines and newspapers in the home and read things in his presence.

11. Offer to read to and with your child and encourage him to read his books to you. To stimulate interest, try taking turns reading successive pages in a book. Interrupt occasionally with questions such as: "What do you think will happen next?" At other times, read your own books at the same time and in the same area where your child is reading.

12. Whenever necessary, help your child with new books by assisting him with unfamiliar words. Try to anticipate difficult words such as names and places. Read and, if necessary, explain these words to him before he begins.

13. Consider letting your child read in bed for a few minutes after his normal bedtime.

14. Tactfully, discourage lip movements, head movements and finger pointing.

15. Encourage reading of materials in addition to books, such as road signs, letters, game directions, recipes and advertisements.

16. Much learning takes place at play. Obtain and encourage your child's use of attractive games with educational value.

17. Encourage your child. Show him that you are pleased with his reading successes, no matter how small they may seem. Do not show disappointment when your child does not do as well as you expect. Do not compare your child unfavorably with other children only with his own past performances.

18. Take your child on trips and encourage his interest in and awareness of different people, experiences, places and objects.

19. Finally, remember that you are dealing with a child; someone who is facing new and strange experiences daily. Show your interest in his development but be patient, relaxed and encouraging.

20. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance from your child's teacher. You can be a valuable partner with the teacher and contribute in many ways to your child's progress.