"A love of reading and a taste for literature are the finest gifts we can give our children, for we have started them on the path of a lifetime pleasure."

(Charlotte Huck, Children's Literature in the Elementary School)

Consider these goals for your child's reading development:

1. To enjoy and be encouraged to read. To experience satisfaction and success from reading.

2. To develop a regular routine of reading.

3. To develop confidence in oneself as a reader.

4. To appreciate a wide variety of literature ( poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays)

5. To develop the skills, concepts, and abilities necessary to communicate in a literate society.

Supporting Your Child's Reading Efforts

Keep in mind, the goal of reading is understanding.

To help your child understand the reading process, share with them what you do as you read.

Reinforce your child's reading. Comment positively on a reading behaviour or skill you notice is improving.

Continue to read to your child even after they are independent readers, opportunities to hear stories above their reading ability stretches their comprehension skills, expands their vocabulary, provides a good example and nurtures a love of books.

If your child is really keen about one particular book, find similiar stories and compare.

Turn off the T.V.

Match books to your child's interests and reading ability.  Visit the library.

Be patient and supportive and enjoy observing your child's growth in reading and writing.