How do you help your child go from a novice or struggling reader in a child (and later on, an adult) who will consistently turn to reading as a source of pleasure. There are several rules of thumb parents can follow that the experts agree are building blocks to raising enthusiastic readers.
It all starts with reading aloud. And reading aloud should start from birth. The more words your child hears from the beginning of her life, the bigger her vocabulary will be — which will pave the way when she learns to read herself.
Have plenty of books in the house. Keep books in the bathroom, on the bedside table, in the backpack. Get your child a library card as soon as she is old enough, then take weekly or biweekly trips to the library. If the thought of frequent trips to Barnes & Noble sounds like a budget-buster, visit a used bookstore.
Model reading for your children by being a reader yourself. Make a point of reading a book or the newspaper while your children are in the room. As your child gets older, look for areas of common interest and read together. If your preteen son is an athlete, read the sports section together or get him a subscription to a sports magazine.
Let kids be in charge of what they read. Allow your kids to select their own books
Parents who try to exert too much control over the content of their kids; reading risk fueling the perception that reading is a chore. Another tactic that can be effective for children who are struggling with reading (or just beginning to get the hang of it): giving small rewards. For frustrated or new readers, the intrinsic pleasure in reading just TV privileges, Outdoor playtime etc.
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