Promote reading for all children

The successful parent employs a variety of strategies to encourage a child to read, and to keep reading.

Here are proven techniques you can use to teach your child that reading is valuable and enjoyable, and that promote reading for all children:

• Set a good example as a reader - let kids see you reading every day.
  
  
• Get a subscription in his or her name to an age-appropriate magazine for your child. When relatives and others ask for gift ideas, suggest magazine subscriptions, books, or a book store gift certificate.
  
  
• Make reading fun - a time that you and your children look forward to spending together.
  
  
• Check out The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease (New York: Penguin Books, 1995). It's loaded with fun tips and reading recommendations.
  
  
• Keep lots of books, magazines, and newspapers around the house. Visit the library often and shop for books at garage and yard sales, swap meets, and used bookstores.
  
  
• Don't fret if "Captain Underpants" has captivated your child rather than Robinson Crusoe. The important thing: he's reading! Encourage it and he's likely to move on to more sophisticated titles as he gets older.