The best advice about reading to a child is to simply read. Read every day for the fun of it, for the joy of it.

Read anywhere, anytime.

• In the car, on the bus, in the waiting room… It’s a great way to fit reading into a busy day.
• Indoors, outdoors – especially if it’s a beautiful day.
• At bedtime and throughout the day. Treat the kids (and yourself) to a story every chance you get.

Involve your child in the experience of reading. Encourage him or her to:

• Turn pages, point to pictures, or act out the story.
• Help choose the books you’ll read together; that’s half the fun!
• Talk about the books you read – and what they have to say.

Make reading an important part of everyday life.

• Bring plenty of books into your home; borrow from the library, share with family and friends.
• Help your child discover that reading is everywhere: at the grocery store, on street signs, in the mail, on menus…
• Make sure your children see you reading; family and friends are the best role models!

Take advantage of programs and activities that encourage reading.

Libraries offer a full schedule of activities designed for kids and their families. From baby “lapsits” to toddler and pre-school storytimes, to imaginative programs for older children, there’s something for everyone.

Check with your local library about programs and upcoming events. And remember, a library card is your “smartest card.” Get it and win @ your library!

Look for information and help that’s available.

A number of organizations offer tutoring programs to help children improve their reading skills. If your child could use some extra help, make sure you check into available programs.

Watch for Reading Tips from READ! 365: helpful information on the “My Generation” page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

You can also get Good Stuff: bookmarks, posters, and other materials from READ! 365 to make reading more fun.

For more information or reading tips and activities:

Beginning with Books
Monthly reading tips, “Best Books for Babies,” and other resources

Born Learning
Everyday opportunities for quality learning experiences for young children

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Kids Page
Favorite books, homework help, fun and games, fun facts, and much, much more

Elmo’s World
A fun place for kids to visit – and learn!

Family Reading Partnership
Promoting family reading practices

National Institute for Literacy (Partnership for Reading)
Information for parents of children from birth-preschool and K-3rd grade

Parents as Teachers National Center
Helping parents become their child’s first – and best – teachers

PBS Parents
Activities for kids; help and advice for parents

Pennsylvania Family Literacy
Programs to promote parents’ involvement in their children’s education

Reading Is Fundamental
Activities by age group – every day of the year

Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh
More ways to make reading fun

Schoolreadiness.info
Includes “Information for Parents” (activities, childcare resources, and referrals) and “Other Resources” (Boys & Girls Books, tracking what children should be able to do at certain ages; books for infants through eight-year-olds)

U.S. Dept. of Education
Information especially for parents (www.ed.gov/parents)

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families
Focus on early literacy activities: the right start