by Danielle L. Hunter

Created on: May 28, 2009

Experts agree that reading aloud to young children kick starts brain development and promotes school success later in life. Early literacy is a process that begins in infancy with the spoken word. Parents can create successful little readers by doing simple activities like singing the ABC song, playing rhyming games and through story time.

Take the time now to start a regular reading ritual and know that reading is a skill that is taught and not naturally acquired like talking and eating. According to the National Education Association, "access to books is fundamental to reading success." When you read or speak to a child, you are also teaching the vocabulary skills needed in life.

Create a children's library at home by borrowing books from the library or have a book swap with friends and family. Shop for books at retail stores, thrift shops, garage sales and library book sales. Books should be educational, fun and perhaps interactive. Just like children need to eat right, they also need a balanced diet of reading material.

Set aside time to turn off the television, sit in a comfy chair and read a book. Your child will be curious as to what you are doing and may want to mimic you. Talk about the book you are reading and encourage questions. Children who see people reading will be more likely to enjoy reading themselves.

Get your child involved in conversations by telling him what you are doing throughout the day. These conversations, whether or not the child can understand, help assist in pre-reading skills. Count each stair as you walk up or down a staircase and speak clearly. Explain the steps in bath time and how to get dressed.

When reading to children, make connections between the stories and the events in their lives. If you just adopted a new pet, get a book about that special animal. Read stories about eating or bedtime and get your child's input on these daily rituals.

Create voices for each book character and show exaggeration in facial expressions. Repeat stories over and over. Do not rush the story and allow for questions. This will help your child understand how a story works. Point to the words to show how to read a book from left-to-right and front-to-back.

There are other things to read besides books. The Sunday newspaper makes a great item for family reading time. Read the comics together or even the advertisements. Box labels, junk mail and street signs also make good reads. Subscribe to a children's magazine. Children love to get something

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>