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6 Keys to
Help a Child Become a Good Reader
1. START EARLY 
The ideal time to begin sharing books with children is during infancy,
even with children as young as six weeks. From early on, children
should own books, be read to often and see others reading and writing.
Also, children should be encouraged to talk about books they already
know and to elaborate or add their story lines or create new endings.
2. SURROUND YOUR CHILD
WITH
A READING RICH ENVIRONMENT
The home environment is critical. Make it a print rich one. Make
sure to put up some signs around the house that use the child's
name. Have toys like alphabet refrigerator magnets, writing materials
and high quality books. The New York Public Library publishes a
list of great children's stories on the Internet at www.nypl.org/branch/kids/gloria.html
3. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD
There's no substitute for a caring adult who takes time with the
child. Vocabulary, language skills and knowledge about the world
are acquired during interesting conversations with responsive adults.
In fact talk ing to adults is children's best source of exposure
to new vocabulary and ideas. In daily life, parents should point
out and read print in the environment. With your toddlers, share
in making and using grocery lists, sing songs and tell stories.
4. TEACH YOUR CHILD WHILE YOU READ
ALOUD
When you read with your child, help them learn the basic rules
of print. Point out how spaces separate words. Occasionally run
your finger along with the words as you read so your child can learn
that sentences start on the upper left and go to the right. Point
to the period at the end of sentences and say, "that's the
end."
5. HELP YOUR CHILD
TO DEVELOP
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
As children move from being toddlers to school age, they should
increasingly be able to grasp the meaning of language. When you
read, stop to discuss unfamiliar words so your child will learn
what they mean. Pause to ask questions to help the child predict
what is coming next. Help children understand the main characters
of stories and encourage them to talk about why these characters
act the way they do.
6. FIND A GOOD PRESCHOOL
SETTING
Things to look for in a high-quality pre-school include:
*A well-supplied, well-designed space.
* A regular daily routine
*Strong parent-teacher communications
*Strong teaching methods and teamwork among teachers
*A varied curriculum
*Language experiences
*Literacy Experiences
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