For Parents & Teachers

Do it everyday with your child. This daily practice helps ensure your child's school success.

Have your child select which book to read. The more input he has into the book the better listener he will be. (But it's ok to share one of your favorites from time to time as well.)

Make it a hands-on time. Sit close to the child and let him hold the book or turn the pages.

Begin at the beginning. Examine the cover. Does it give any clues to what the book will be about?

Teach your child how to find the title and the author's/illustrator's names on the cover. If the child likes an author's book, try another by the same author. Is it as good?

Read with gusto! Say it like you mean it. The more you are enjoying the book the more your child will also.

If a story has repeated lines, encourage your child to join in with these lines. Point to them in the text to help your child make the word connections.

Make sure your child understands the story. Stop sometimes and ask questions. What's happening now? Did you understand that word? What do you think will happen next? Why did …? (But sometimes, you will want to read without any interruptions.)

Have the child use the illustrations to help tell the story and look for additional details. In many picture books, the pictures are rich with additional information that makes the story more enjoyable.

Do a follow-up activity. Have your child draw a picture inspired by the story. Or write a story using one of the main characters. Or create a paper bag puppet of the main character. There are a wide variety of ways to celebrate each and every story shared with a child.