Get+Your+Child+Ready+to+Read

=Reading at Home… Here are some ideas about what you can do to help motivate your children with reading and writing. We offer the following suggestions, but you may find many issues and ideas surfing the net. =
 * Show your child that reading and writing are important to you by your actions: Tell your child about books and magazines, and newspapers that you are reading. Share letters and cards from family and friends. Invite your child to send a letter or card to a friend, or to our class.
 * Visit our library together. Help your child find books in the children section. Invite your child to accompany you as you find books for yourself in the adult section

Be a reading role model… ** Kids learn that reading is important when they see their parents with books in their hands. And kids learn that reading is fun when they see parents reading. So if your children don't already see you reading in your recliner, taking paperbacks near the fire place, you may want to head to the nearest library or bookstore now! You also can prove reading is important by showing an inte rest in your children's books. Always make a point to talk to your child about whatever he or she is reading. Ask questions. Engage the child in a real conversation about the story. There’s an elementary school that suggests parents to "pitch a tent and give everyone a flashlight so you can read together while you camp at night. If you prefer the indoors, hold a reading slumber party." Get Your Child Ready to Read… ** Even when your child is still very small, there are things you can do to help him/her learn! The first years of life are very important in developing your child's mind and abilities. Here are some ways to give your child an early and strong start: Beginning with the day your child is born, talk to him or her whenever you're together. When you're making dinner, cleaning, or going somewhere, let your child hear you talk about what you're seeing, doing, or thinking. As your child gets older, ask questions and engage him or her in conversation. Say rhymes Rhymes are fun to listen to and they help your child hear the different sounds in words. Children love to hear people sing. Songs have rhymes and rhythms that help them learn. Tell your child a story you already know – or just make one up! It could be a folk tale, stories about your family, funny stories, or any story you both like. Give everything a name Tell your child what different things are called and explain what they do. Say things like "This is a phone. We use it to call grandmother." Or "This is a clock. We use it to tell the time." When talking to your child, use the names of things instead of words like "it" and "that." You can also put labels on things in your home — the labels would say "Chair" or "Table" or "Doll." You can also play games that involve naming things. Ask your child, "Where's your nose?" and then, "Where's Mommy's nose?" Then touch your child's nose and say, "What's this?" Show your child all the words you see while driving, walking, or taking the bus. Point out the word "stop" on a stop sign, for example. Ask your child to find a new word every time you go out. This helps your child notice words and letters. Once your child is six months old, read to him or her for at least 15 minutes each day. Experts say this is one of the most important things you can do! Make reading together a warm and loving time. See the page on Fun and Effective Ways to Read with Children for ideas. Pay attention to what your child says, even if he or she is just a baby. Look your child in the eyes and show that you've heard him or her. This encourages children to keep trying to use words.
 * 1. Talk to your child all the time **
 * 2. Rhymes **
 * 3. Tell stories **
 * 4. Names **
 * 5. Labels **
 * 6. Point out words in the world **
 * 7. Read together every day **
 * 8. Listen to your child, too **