A Message from the Author

Listed below are simple strategies for helping children develop into strong readers:

1. Read with or to your child every day.
2. Encourage your child to read from left to right by pointing to the words as you read with him/her. Mention how the words are separated by spaces.
3. Do repeated readings with your child's favorite books and poems. I love reading my favorite book over and over again. It makes me smile.
4. Encourage your child to read books with rhyming words and reading lines that repeat. You should read these books along with your child. Your child can have fun repeating the cheerful reading lines.
5. Remember to discuss new words. For example, "An honest person tells the truth. Tell me about a time that you were honest."
6. Discuss the pictures in the book. Ask what happened first, next and last in the book.
7. Read all kinds of books with your child. Pick books that are not too difficult.
8. Know when to stop reading. If your child is having trouble staying on task, it is time to put the book away for next time.

Reading is entertaining! Make a difference for children, help them become successful readers so they can enjoy the wonders of reading.