A love of reading begins at home. If your child sees you reading books, newspapers, and magazines regularly, then he will want to read as well. Be a reading mentor and talk with him about what you are reading. Discuss newspaper stories and have your child read them to you once he is a fluent reader. Do the same with recipes when you cook together. If your child is a beginning reader, have him read street signs aloud when you are walking or traveling in the car.

To encourage reading, talk to your child about his interests and then find related books at the local library. Use the online book lists and talk with your child about which titles he might like to read. A weekly trip to the library is a wonderful way to encourage reading. Additionally, many libraries and bookstores sponsor storytelling events and author-visits for children.

Your child will get more out of books if you talk about what he is reading. Ask questions that help him summarize the reading and identify the main themes. You might ask such questions as:

	What was the story about?

	Where did it take place? When did it take place?

	Was there a moment that was especially exciting or moving? How did it come about?

	Was there a character that you really liked? Why?

	What did you discover through reading this book?

	What was the main thing the author wanted you to learn?

You will prepare your child for greater success in school if you make sure that reading is a large part of his life. Reading aloud to your child and helping your child become a lifelong reader will have a profound influence on his academic potential and intellectual growth. Additionally, your child will experience all of the joy that books can bring!

Listed below are good resources on how parents can support their children's development as readers.

	Raising Lifelong Learners: A Parent's Guide, Lucy Calkins with Lydia Bellino (Perseus Books, 1997). K–8

	Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, Mem Fox (Harcourt, 2001). Pre K–3

	The Read-Aloud Handbook, Jim Trelease (Penguin, 2001). K–8