D.E.A.R. Family Reading Tips

Designate a special time for family reading. Whether it is the morning paper,
books at bedtime or stories after supper, a reading routine becomes something
everyone can look forward to.

Encourage your child’s reading. Praise the efforts of your soon-to-be or
beginning reader. Make sure that the busy schedules of older readers include
time for reading for pleasure.

Allow kids to choose books they are interested in reading or having read aloud.
Be aware of your child’s interests and abilities and make a variety of reading
materials easily accessible.

Register for a library card. If you already have one, use it frequently! Take
advantage of library programs or library book clubs.



Develop a reading-rich environment at home. Furnish your house with books,
newspapers, and magazines. Make sure there are also comfortable places to
read with good lighting.

Everyday opportunities for reading abound. From the cereal box at breakfast,
to the weather report in the newspaper, to the road signs on the way to school,
to the note in the lunchbox, to the recipe for dinner—words are everywhere!
Take the time to point them out or ask your child to read them to you.

Ask questions when you are sharing books together. Engage your children in
discussions about the books you read and help them relate to the characters or
situations. Share your own feelings and invite kids to do the same.

Remember, children want to do what the grownups do. So if parents just drop
everything and read, the kids will want to be a part of it!