1. When reading together, use your finger as a guide; when your child mispronounces a word, tap your finger on the word so he knows to back and try again. If the child can not get the word, cover it up with your finger, only revealing the parts (one part at a time), get your child to sound out the syllables.
2. When you no longer need to guide your child (using your finger), get two books (identical) so that you won't need to share when reading together.
3. When reading to your child, make it interesting and set a good example; use inflections in your voice, laugh when you think something is funny, get excited about the story. Ask your child questions, such as what they think will happen next, or if they think the main character made the right decision.
4. After reading a book rent the movie (if there is one) and watch it together. Ask the child if they imagined the story like it was in the movie, ask what was different and which one they liked better.
5. Preview the chapter beforehand, writing down any word that you think will be unfamiliar to your child (such as "peer", "reluctant", "vast", etc.) and talk about these words before reading (better yet, look them up in a dictionary). Point out these words when you come to them in the book.
6. Don't put a TV in your child's room; the goal is to get them to read more, a TV will only lessen the chance of reading before bedtime.
7. Bring your child to the library or book store; make them participate in selecting a book to read. Also, pick up a magazine that they would find interesting. Use your computer; there are many great web sites that are great reading and writing motivators.
8. Increase your child's vocabulary; watch documentaries, visit museums, engage in quality conversations.
9. Be a role model; read books yourself. If you enjoy fiction, tell your child about the book you're reading. Let them know what's going on in your story.
10. Encourage your child to write about what he or she read. Have him/her draw pictures and explain to you what the story was about. This is a good time to introduce concepts such as plot, climax and resolution. Discuss the characters; who was the good or bad "guy". Basically, open up a dialogue so your child can share what was read.
