Reading stories to your children is a most valuable activity.  When children listen to adults read, it helps them develop an appreciation for written material and for the ideas and thoughts that books can convey.  Many experts in the field of reading have determined that parents who read to their children on a regular basis are more likely to have children who are good readers.

Reading aloud is perhaps the most important way you can guide your child toward reading success.  You can open up whole new worlds of adventure and mystery that cannot be found anywhere else, including TV!  Children who have been read to will undoubtedly be eager to read for themselves because they know of the pleasures to be found in books.  Here are some suggestions.

0. Before reading to your child, practice reading aloud by yourself the first few times to feel more comfortable.

0. Establish a relaxed atmosphere with no radios, TV, or other distractions.  Try setting aside a family reading time when everyone reads.

0. Encourage your child to stop you to ask questions or to point out details.  This shows that your child is interested in what you are reading.

0. You may want to stop from time to time in your reading to ask questions about some of the characters or events in the story.  Ask questions like "Why do you think he/she did that?

0. As you read a story, record it on cassette tape.  Later, your child can listen to the story again just by playing the tape independently.

READING "SPARKLER" OF THE WEEK:  Help your child create a personal bookmark for use in his or her books.  Put a wallet-sized photo of your child or family between two pieces of clear Contac® paper.  Then sprinkle in some glitter or colored confetti, seal, and cut to size.  Your child may want to make personalized bookmarks for other members of the family too.