Research varies, but it seems that many parents spend little time with their children. What can we do to keep our children from joining that group? How can we help them enjoy the learning-reading experience?

The First Step to Success

Reading is the one major skill upon which all other learning is based. It can be as simple as reading aloud. Just a minutes a day will make a difference in abilities. Here are few suggestions to get you started. You will think of more as you go along.

1. The earlier you start, the better.

An infant is reading at that magical moment when it first responds to a parents smile. Important meaning is found in that smile and thats what reading is all about-discovering meaning. Its never to early or too late to begin. As you read to your children, point to the pictures or move your finger under the words.

1. Time Means Love.

Set aside regular block of time to read aloud. Avoid times when your child has obligations such as homework or wants to watch favorite tv program. Make a commitment and stay with it. If necessary, turn down other appointments. Think about the positive message that will send to your child.

1. Listening Shows Commitments.

There will be times when your child wants to share or talk about a book he or she has read. You cant always drop everything, but when you must postpone the request, explain why, commit to a time later in the day, and keep your commitment. The younger the child, the sooner that times should be.

1. Selecting Books Teaches Values.

Listen to your children and discover their interest. As children grow older,involve them in selecting books. Introduce them to the library and make regular visits together. Not all books will appeal to your children and not all books you will want them to read. But you can introduce them to a better quality of literature as you determine criteria together, and they will be better prepared to make their own selections in the future.

1. Discover Your Childs Ability to Understand.

If your child wants to learn more about space exploration, use materials he or she can comprehend. Younger children will learn more from books with pictures. Knowing that a man traveled to the moon may be enough to satisfy a beginner.

1. Asses Your childs reading level.

Start where the child is. If you hear five or more mistakes, the book is probably too difficult. But if the subject holds the childs interest, dont deny the opportunity to learn.

1. A good environment sets the stage.

Have plenty of eye-appealing books and magazines in your home-some for you, some your child. Choose a place where you read together: a favorite chair, the porch swing, wherever. Provide a bookcase that will be he childs own and encourage him or her to store favorites there.

1. Practice your own skills.

When you read aloud, use voice inflection and tone that will make the story come to life. Share the humor, the pathos, the anxiety. Put some drama into your voice.

1. Make Room for laughter.

Share jokes, nonsense rhymes, funny stories, puns, words with silly sounds. Read aloud stories or examples of humor that appeal to children.

1. Keep them dangling.

Start a book, arouse the childs interest then stop while interest is high.

1. Accept your childs pace.

Dont overdo it. Five or 10 minutes is enough at first. The younger the child, the shorter the attention span.

1. Teach your child how to find information.

Let them to other books to find the answers.

1. Expand the imagination.

2. Seek a response and enlarge a childs horizon.

Get a response from your child. Educators call it a comprehension check. Have the child act out part of the story.

1. Share the fun with others.

2. Nurture a budding report.

3. Give the gifts of approval.

When your child shares a reading experience, listen carefully and respond positively. Your child wants to please you. Your approval is a major source of encouragement.