According to experts, one of the most effective ways to encourage children to read is to read aloud with them and make reading a fun activity.

Tips for Reading Aloud:

• Review a book before you read it with the child to get familiar with the story and pictures

• Suggest things that the child can look or listen for during the story

• Make the story come alive. Read with feeling and enthusiasm. The more expressive you are as a reader, the more you will hold the child’s attention.

• Run your fingers under the words as you read so the child can connect the words with the story and pictures.

• Take your time with the story; point out interesting or humorous things as you read.

• Encourage the child to participate by turning the pages and reading some of the story aloud.

• Ask the child to make predictions about the story and the characters.

• Encourage the child to share his/her thoughts about the events or people in the story.

• If the book is too long to read in one sitting, choose a logical stopping point an pick up where you let off at the next reading time.

Other Tips to Encourage Reading:

• Read a book over and over again if requested by the child. Kids love repetition and learn from it.

• Ask the child to make up a new ending for a book.

• Emphasize the fact that reading time is special and a treat.

• Help the child make a fun, age-appropriate dictionary.

• Take the child to the library to get his/her own library card.

• Play word games with the child
  
  
  
  Sources: Reading by 9
  Southern California READS