One of the best ways to help your children succeed in school is to read aloud. The mission of the Reading is Fundamental program is to make reading a fun and beneficial part of of everyday life.
Each year in locations across the country, Dr. Seuss' birthday is celebrated on Read Across America Day.
Local and national celebrities take time out of their day to sit down with young children to read aloud from children's books, including "The Cat in the Hat" and other Dr. Seuss favorites.
Reading aloud to young children who can't read opens a new world to them. Children's vocabularies grow as they hear new words in books.
Kids also learn more about the world around them when parents and caretakers read to them. When you read to your child, share the meaning of new words.
Ask your child questions about the book as you read. Reading comprehension increases as kids are exposed to more types of books.
Even after kids can read on their own, reading aloud helps to improve their reading skills. When kids first learn to read, they often read haltingly, a single word at a time.
By discussing the book you're reading, you will help the single words make more sense. Kids who can read at or above grade level are more likely to be successful in school.
Kids often want parents to read the same book over and over again. Although parents tire of the repetition, kids learn a lot from hearing the same words repeatedly.
Parents are their children's role models. If your kids see you reading for enjoyment, they will want to do the same thing.
Older siblings can help by reading aloud to their younger brothers and sisters. It's a Kodak moment when you find your older child reading to a sibling.
Many public libraries and children's museums offer read aloud programs for kids of various ages. Some of the programs are for parents and kids together and others are just for kids.
Books can take kids to places they have never seen. An old kid's song about reading includes these lyrics.
"To the jungle you can go in books, to the land of icy snow in books.
As you ramble through the pages, books can take you through the ages."
Reading is Fundamental serves more than four million children nationwide and distributes free books to needy children all over the country.
At the RIF website, parents and caretakers can find resources in English and Spanish to help encourage their children's reading skills.
You can also find out more about how you can help Reading is Fundamental bring books to kids. and about volunteer opportunities.
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