DK “ Reading Pleasure Dept. Instilling The Joy of Reading In A Child (NAPSA)—Educational experts agree that the more children read, the more they'll enjoy reading, and the better readers they’re likely to become. Parents can play a keyrole in helping their child becomea life- long readerbyinstilling the joy of reading from an early age. Educational experts recommend that parents spend at least one hour per week—or 10 to 15 minutes a day—reading with children as youngas preschool-age. “Reading is an importantlife skill and source of great personal enjoyment,” says Dr. Richard Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center, the nation’s leading provider of supplemental education services. “But reading skills and habits develop young, so it’s important for parents to encour- age their children’s love of reading at an early age. Spending an hour a week reading with your children inside and outside your home can foster a lifetime of reading.” Instilling the joy of reading can start with preschoolers. Dr. Bavaria recommends that parents set aside time for reading aloud to their child, pointing to the words on the page as they are spoken and encouraging children between ages 4 and 7 to recognize words themselves. Reading aloud continues to be important with grade school children, as it helps them to develop language skills. Encouraging talk and discussion with a child also contributes to language development skills and can help with reading. Grade school is the time to introduce a child to the local public library, and expand reading to include newspapers and magazines. Parents can also designate shelves in their child’s room for a child’s own homelibrary. “Don’t forget to read outside Parents can encourage a child’s love of reading at an early age. the home as well,” Dr. Bavaria adds. “There are many opportunities to read to your child—and have them read back to you—as you're running errands, attending events and dining out.” Parents can also take advantage of reading opportunities on the Internet. example, Book Adventure is a free interactive reading motivation program sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center and found online at www.bookadventure.org. Students choose their own books, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. more tips on instilling the joy of reading, helping children understand math, and making learning a fun family endeavor, request a copy of “Seven Days of Activities for Family Learning Fun” at www.educate.com/familyfun. more information about Sylvan, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.educate.com/info.
