Helping Your Child to Become a Life-Long Reader

Reading is one of the most important things your child will learn to do in the first years of life. Some children learn to read as early as three or four years of age while other children wait until they begin school to take up reading. Learning to read is hard work, but it is vital for developing language skills. Most of the information we get from our environments comes from text, so children who read well tend to do better in school and tend to become more apt learners. Helping your child to read can be one of the most important things you do. There are many ways to help your child:

1. Read to your child. Reading books together is a great way to spend time together but it also creates a lifetime of reading success. Pick out fun books and have your child pick out books they want to read. Look for books that make use of rhyme, bright pictures and word play. These will not only make reading fun, but will encourage your children to practice the sounds of language.
   
   
2. Play with words. Teach your child songs, short poems, and rhymes. Play basic word games as well. Word play helps your child to become familiar with words and the language.
   
   
3. Teach your child the alphabet. Colorful blocks with letters imprinted on them are a good place to start. You can also read alphabet books with your child or point out letters when you see them.
   
   
4. Set a good example. Children who grow up in homes with books and readers are more likely to become readers themselves. If you don't read for pleasure now, get into the habit. Consider setting a family "reading time" when everyone reads. This will help show your child that you value reading and will ensure that your child sees value in the activity.
   
   
5. Make sure that the people in your child's life know how important reading is. Babysitters and other caregivers should be told that reading is important. Family and friends can be encouraged to give small books as gifts for birthdays and holidays. Grandparents would likely love to read to your child, so be sure to encourage them in that. Look for caregivers who share your enthusiasm about reading. If you are looking for a good daycare with educationally-rich activities, consider Robin's Nest Child Care. Children at Robin's Nest Child Care get regular reading time as well as time spent on other enriching activities.