Great Reading Tips

1. Establish a regular time for reading aloud,
so the child can count on togetherness.

2. Involve the child while reading -
identify letters and words and talk about illustrations.

3. Praise a child's efforts and accomplishments
to promote self-confidence. 
Never make reading seem like work.

4. Put little notes in a child's lunch box or backpack.

5. Set a good "reading example." 
A child who sees parents reading each day learns
that it is an important activity.

6. Give a child his or her own bookcase, and help
fill it with a variety of interesting books.

Credit: Carnival School Book Clubs

The Write Word

As you read a book together, keep track of what characters wear, say, and do!  Make a chart that lists the main character from a book, like Arthur. As children read, have them write descriptive words under that character's name. Throughout the year, students will build their vocabulary using easier descriptive words like "short" or "funny," and build up to more difficult words like "talkative."

Credit: Lucky Book Clubs



What's Your Story

Students can gather information about themselves by interviewing others, such as a parent, grandparent, or older brother or sister. Have students pick interview questions that get people talking and giving information. Interview shows are a good place for students to get ideas for good questions. Students should write short pieces on various topics using the information gained during the interview. "My first day of school" or "The day I was born" are good places to start.

Credit: Lucky Book Clubs



Tell A Story

With your child, look in a newspaper for a comic strip that tells a short
story. Talk about the story's beginning, middle and end. Then invite your child to create his or her own comic strip using a rhyme to tell the story. Help him or her draw three pictures: one for the beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end of the story.   Say the rhyme together as you
and your child share the pictures.

Credit: Weekly Reader Home Connection Activities Jan. 1999