ELEVEN TIPS FOR RAISING A READER
- Start early! Babies benefit from seeing print, hearing words, manipulating pages, and, most of all, hearing your voice.
- Practice often and establish a routine.
- Point out and trace specific letters, numbers, and shapes while reading.
- Ask open-ended questions while reading.
- It’s not about you! Children gain literacy confidence hearing the same books over and over and over...
- Keep reading time relaxing and fun. Don’t force it.
- Make yourself fun to listen to! Change up your volume and pitch, try different voices, etc.
- It’s okay to skip around, start in the middle, or stop before the end of the book.
- Don’t hesitate to read books aloud that your children aren’t yet ready to read by themselves.
- All things in moderation—including “Level” books.
- Get a library card! Check in with your local library to learn about summer reading programs, ongoing events, and all kinds of other fun activities. Ask your librarian for book recommendations and additional guidance and resources!
Compiled by Debbie Hassi, Youth Services Manager, The Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County