A lifetime of reading begins at home

This is the perfect weather for curling up with a good book. While some of us may take this simple pleasure for granted there are lots of people out there for whom this activity is impossible. They don't know how to read.

The key to improving literacy in our county and our country begins at home with our children. Researchers have found that the earlier a child is exposed to books and reading, the better their chances of developing this very necessary life skill. Giving the child in your life the very best opportunity to learn may require you to put in some extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Some tips for raising a reader from the Idaho Read to Me Program might help you help your child.

Your children look up to you. You, as a parent or caregiver, are their very first and most important teacher. Reading to a child from birth onward gives them a chance to see how much a part of daily life the written form of language is. It also familiarizes them with the concept of books and helps develop their imagination. Infants and toddlers are at a stage in life where they are completely open to learning. By including books and reading into their new world, you are giving them a head start on this valuable tool.

If you set a good example by reading yourself, your kids will learn from your actions. If you're not already, get into the habit of reading both for pleasure and information. Whether you flip through the pages of the newspaper every day or sit down and indulge your penchant for murder mysteries, reading not only sets that good example, but exercises your own brain as well.

Reading to and with your kids should be an enjoyable time together for both of you. Allow your kids to choose the books they read or have you read to them. Though you may get tired of reading "Where the Wild Things Are" by the 37th time, keep in mind that your child is learning through the repetition. Repetition helps us associate spoken words with the symbols on the page and it also aids in memorization, both skills needed in learning to read.

Talk to your child about the books he or she reads. Ask them questions. Give them the opportunity to verbalize their opinion and critique the book. Reading opens up many doors for your child's future in education and beyond. Critical thinking, problem solving, developing their imagination, and broadening their emotional spectrum through association and empathy are just a few of the things they will learn.

Of course, what's reading without access to lots of books? Visit the library often to surround your child with new material. Give your child books as gifts or as a reward for good behavior. With all of the new hi-tech toys out there, books may be a hard sell but worth the effort to persevere. You can try some of the new video "learning games" available, but be careful. These tools are great for teaching, but fall short when it comes to imagination and creative thinking development.

If your child has any particular interests, such as dinosaurs or princesses, guide them to find information on the topic in books and magazines. You might be surprised at your six-year-old's voracity for information on the Tyrannosaurus Rex or the castles of Medieval England. Pretty soon they'll know more than you on the subject.

Ask your child to read aloud to you as soon as they are able. Whether it's the newspaper, the latest book they're reading, a homework assignment, or even the TV guide, their reading to you will help them associate sounds with letters and the words they form. It can also help you to identify any learning disabilities at an early age.

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not all that uncommon in children but can have a devastating effect on a child's reading skills. In fact, many cases of adult illiteracy are due to untreated or unrecognized learning disabilities. Once diagnosed, it's possible to work around learning disorders or disabilities and give your child the very best opportunity to reap the benefits of a lifetime of reading.

For more information on children's reading programs or adult literacy programs in our area, call the Bonner County Public Library at (208)263-6930.