Parenting Tips from the PPT
The importance of early reading in the school-aged child

Even if your child doesn't have great reading skills before entering school, he can still become a successful reader. But, the importance of early reading must be stressed in kindergarten through third grade for this to happen. Research has indicated that these years are most important years in school for learning to read. Students who do not gain strong reading skills during these years are more likely to be struggling learners in later years.

Parents have the greatest influence over their children. Therefore, the greatest responsibility for instilling a love of reading in your child lies with you.

First and foremost, the best way to encourage your child to read is to show her that reading is important to you. One way to do this is to set aside a 'family reading time" each night. During family reading time, every member of the family finds something to read. This includes the adults in the house. In this way, you are demonstrating both the importance of early reading and reading in adulthood to your children.

Another way to stress the importance of early reading is to treat reading as a reward. For example, tell your children that they can stay up 15 minutes longer if they want to read. In this way, reading will become a treat that allows your children to "get away" with staying up later. Reading has now gone from being a chore to a reward.

The importance of early reading is paramount. Children who become successful readers in the primary grades go on to be more successful readers and learners. Better yet, they discover a love for books that lasts a lifetime.

Excerpted from improve-reading-skills.com