LiMs . ; Ten Easy Tips To Make Sure Your Child Is On The Reading Track (NAPSA)—Easytips to ensure reading success for your child: 1. Read every day. The reading experts at Pearson Scott Foresman suggest that you pick a convenient time and read with your child at least once every day. Manyfamilies find bedtimeideal. Other times may include: after a meal, in the tub, or after school. It’s a great idea to keep a book with you while you’re out of the house in case you have to wait somewherewith yourchild. 2. Make it fun. Make reading a special time that your child looks forward to every day. Lighten the language—make it fun, silly and an adventure. 3. Read booksyourchild likes. Children love being read to when they know the story or are captivated by the topic. Spend time in your children’s “library” room and “hunt” for books with your child. Reading booksthat are culturally relevant is a great way to explore your child’s heritage as well as other backgrounds. Children often enjoy learning about different languages and cultures. 4. Talk about the book. Children often miss subtleties of books. Ask questions like, “Why do you think she feels angry?” Refer to the book throughout your everyday activities, “That old train reminds me of The Little Engine That Could.” 5. Read EVERYTHING. Reading to your child is not limited to books. Read street signs, cereal boxes, mail, billboards, newspapers and magazines. Celebrate your child’s recognition of popular words, like: “STOP,” “hot dogs” or “ice cream.” 6. Read what you write. Read lists, postcards and notes that you create out loud. Let your child “write” and have your child “read” it back to you. Make it a game. 7. Make up your ownstories. Storytelling is a wonderful way for children to increase vocabulary, enhance verbal skills, and use their imaginations. Many families tell stories while driving in thecar. Reading to children every day is a great way for them to learn to love reading. 8. Check your child’s “Reading Readiness.” There are resources available for families to determine whether their child is ready to read. The following Web site includes a free online screening tool for parents: www.family education.com/GetReadytoRead. 9. Talk with your child’s preschool or elementary teacher. Many parents or guardians feel uncomfortable asking their child’s teacher or principal how they are teaching their children how to read. Families not only have a right to ask but a responsibility to do so. Families should make sure teachers are using scientifically based practices when teaching beginningreading, or any subject. 10. Start NOW. Young children are sponges and absorb everything. Studies show that the early years of a child’s life are a precious and critical time for learning. It is much moredifficult for a child who is eight or nine years old to learn to read thanit is for a child whois five or six. These tips are offered by the reading experts at Pearson Scott Foresman, the world’s leading reading publisher and the leader in early learning, and Jumpstart, a national organization dedicated to early literacy and working towards the day when every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. For more reading resources, visit www.pearsonatschool.com.
