Help Young Children Learn to Love Reading
-Choose a relaxed time to read together. Many parent read to their children at night. But if your child seems more excited about reading in the morning or afternoon, take advantage of his interest then.
-Allow your child to choose which book you will read. If that's too difficult for him, pick out a few books and let him select one. Children love repetition, so don't worry if he chooses the same book day after day. You can read it again, or ask your spouse to take a turn.
-Let your child read to you. Reverse roles and have him turn the pages and tell you the story.
-Be creative. Consider using different voices for each character. Your child will enjoy it - and you might too.
-Take the time to answer your child's questions, even if they interrupt the story. If your child wants to stop reading or skip a few pages, that's okay too. Enjoying the time with your child is more important than reading the entire book.
Source: Diana Cole, "Raising a Reader," Parents, April 1996, Gruner-Jahr Publishing.