Some of you will be preparing your children this summer to start Kindergarten in the fall.  The most important activity you can engage your child in to prepare for school is READING!  Here are some tips to use at home:
•    Read aloud to your child.  Children love to hear their parents’ voices.  Reading to your child not only provides a valuable learning experience, but it can become a treasure family activity.
•    Be a role model.  Parents can set a good example by showing they enjoy and benefit from reading at home.
•    Make regular visits to your local library and be sure to elicit the help of the children’s librarian.  There are a number of library resources available to help you choose books, such as reading lists of award-winning books.
•    Be enthusiastic as you read.  Show excitement, point to illustrations, and let your tone change with the story.  It’s fun to give the characters different voices, too.  Make sure you give your child time to look at the pictures and ask questions.
•    After you are finished reading, discuss the book with your child.  Find parallels between experiences in the book and those in your child’s life to add greater depth and meaning to the story.
Reading to our children can do more than simply help them excel in school; reading to them can instill a love of books that will last a lifetime!