- The obvious first step is to read to a child at a very young age, perhaps even before their language skills are truly developed. Reading at bedtime is a worthwhile ritual that I'm sure millions of families worldwide do. I can still remember my Mom reading to me as a boy. This is what I believe created the love of books and the desire to read books of my choosing.
- Scholastic Books allowed me to pick those books to read. Some of my early favorites were: Clarence the TV Dog, Double Trouble for Rupert and Up Periscope!
- Surround your reader with books.
- Let them see you enjoy reading! Read books, magazines, and newspapers in their view.
- Talk with your spouse/partner about what you've read and how much you loved it in front of the kids.
- As your child's reading and comprehension skills grow stronger, lead them to bigger, more challenging books.
- Visit the library and make it an exciting excursion, something special. Stand at the door and look inside with wonder in your eyes. Tell your child, "Just think, we can read any of these books we want to!"
- Introduce your child to a librarian. Say something like, "I'd like you to meet (name), she's a LIBRARIAN!"
- Make sure they get their own library card as soon as you think they're ready.
- Have your child enroll in reading programs whether at school or your library.
- Most families have rules about "screen time." Enforce those!
- But if your child wants to read with music on, too, let him/her. I always have and still do.
- If possible, let your child put their books on THE home bookshelf, maybe even some in pride-of-place spots. Or get a bookshelf for them.
I'm sure there are other ways to build a reader, but I hope these give you some useful ideas.
The person who does not read has no advantage over the person who cannot read.
