Fathers Need to Be Involved as Reading Role Models

Children are more likely to read if they come from a family of readers. Everyone should get in on the act! A very recent study reported that 40% of fathers do not read to their children. Fathers bring something new to the experience of reading - This allows for varying reading choices, discussions and interpretations of stories. Also, children need to know that reading is a "guy thing"-that it's cool for guys to read.

Here's a painless idea: If your child is a sports fan, read the sports section of the newspaper together.

Remember that reading at home shouldn't feel like school. Read with your child in your own special way. Children shouldn't feel that their parents are drilling them or testing their comprehension. Reading should feel personal, cozy, warm and fun. We read because it is pleasurable and functional. Reading at home supports and complements but should never mirror reading at school.

Allow your child to choose which books he or she reads.

--adapted from the Scholastic website http://www.scholastic.com/parents/readingtips.html