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Reading is fun! Reading teaches language skills. Reading is bonding time. Reading takes children to whole new worlds. Reading is important for life. Experts agree that reading aloud to a young child is strongly and positively connected to the child's eventual success as an independent reader. Early love of books may lead to a life-long passion for reading.

Reading With Babies (0 to 18 months)

• It is never too early to begin reading with your baby. Your baby will enjoy the sound of your voice and being close to you. Babies enjoy looking at the pictures.
• Babies are not critical. Any reading attempts will be appreciated by your baby.
• For many infants a reading session will only last a short while. That's just fine.
• Babies tend to want to mouth books they are holding so cloth, plastic and board books (thick cardboard pages) are most durable.
• If your baby shows little interest, skip to a favorite page or try again later
• Vary your tone of voice and be expressive. Your baby will respond to a soothing voice or funny sound effects.
• Choose a variety of books to keep things interesting for YOU, the reader.
• Keep a few books tucked in your diaper bag and read throughout the day.
• Utilize your local library. Many libraries will have a wide variety of books for babies.
• Reading with a baby from an early age gets you in the routine of reading as your child continues to grow. Set the pattern for life!

Reading With Toddlers (18 months to 2 ½ years)

• While toddlers focus on the pictures they are also learning some "basics" of reading such as how to hold a book in the correct direction and how to turn the pages.
• Be as flexible as possible. Toddlers often want to choose the book, the reader, and the time and the place!
• Toddlers enjoy listening to the same book over and over again.
• Toddlers are busy investigating their world. If your toddler is "too busy" to sit in your lap and read he may hold a toy or stand while you read.
• Encourage your toddler to join in the action of the book by making the noises of the animals in the book or chiming in on words that are repeated.
• Read every day to make reading part of the routine in your child's life. A natural reading time might occur before nap or bedtime.

Reading With Preschoolers (2 to 5 years)

• Through hearing stories daily, your child will begin to identify letters, build vocabulary, learn the structure of a story and understand that print carries a message.
• A preschooler may pretend to read a favorite book. Encourage this behavior. It is setting the stage for meaningful independent reading.
• Your child may like to ask questions during a story. It is a perfect time for him/her to learn new words and gain understanding about the world.
• Listen and respond to your child. Good listeners are likely to become strong readers.
• Take time out from reading to ask open-ended questions like, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why do you think they are doing that?"
• Read familiar signs with your child while you're out and about. This includes street signs, restaurant signs, billboards, etc.
• Let your child see you read for fun or to get things done. Read aloud your to-do list or shopping list.
• Read your favorite childhood book with your preschooler. Your enthusiasm is sure to catch on.
• While reading aloud you can show your preschooler which words you are reading by sliding your finger under the words as you read them.

Reading With Early Elementary School-Aged Children (5 to 7 years)

• Keep reading aloud to your child as his/her reading skills begin to develop.
• Keep informed about your child's reading progress in school and ask his/her teacher about ways you can help at home.
• Listen to your child read schoolwork and books from school.
• Be patient when listening to your beginning reader practice and always let your child know you are proud of his reading skills. It isn't easy!
• Look for areas of common interest and read together. For example, you could read the newspaper's sports section together or use a travel book to prepare for an upcoming trip.
• Keep home reading pleasurable.
• Children like to see themselves in books so keep gender, race and age in mind when choosing books.
• Have plenty of books available at home. The library and used book sales are good ways to keep the cost down.

Keep reading aloud to your child even after he/she can read independently. Why?

• Children can appreciate books that are too difficult for their own reading levels when adults read them out loud.
• Reading aloud can introduce new authors or different types of reading material such as poetry or biography.
• Reading aloud encourages dialogue with your child about sensitive topics.
• Reading aloud helps develop listening comprehension and new vocabulary.
• Reading aloud reminds children that books have a value beyond schoolwork and reading can enrich life.

Read with your child. You never know when you are making a memory!