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The best way to encourage a child to read

If you want you child to be a reader, the best way to encourage a child to read is to read to them. No other activity will have as much impact on your child's reading habits than that of a parent reading to a child.

Back in the Eighties a national commission was formed to study the reading habits of students. It was comprised of experts in the field of childhood development and education. They issued a report in 1985, called, "Becoming a Nation of Readers." In this report, the experts stated that the best way to encourage a child to read is to read to them and the most important thing that was necessary to encourage reading in children was that of a parent reading to a child.

Given the importance of a parent reading to a child, a few helpful tips will ensure that this is an activity that both the parent and the child will enjoy. First, start reading to your child immediately. There is no perfect age and the only guideline is the sooner the better. Start with picture books that have only a few sentences, and pause frequently to let your child fill in the words. Ask your child questions about the story. This will keep their attention focused and make them feel a part of the process.

Don't read stories that you, yourself, don't enjoy. If you have begun reading a book to your child and discover that either you, or your child, don't like it, don't feel compelled to finish it. It's perfectly alright to put it aside and begin another one. And finally, discuss the story with your child. This will help you ascertain his/her understanding of the story, and help them assimilate the information they've heard.

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