Research shows that reading regularly to young children is very important to their overall growth and development.

The benefits of reading include the following:

• Provides time for special attention between parents and children
• Encourages children's later reading success
• Improves language and speech development

• Look for books you both love.
• Ask friends, teachers, or librarians.
• Look for award-winning books.
• Check book reviews.
• Have your children pick out their own books.

• Point out objects in the pictures as you read.
• Look for activity books that let your child participate.
• Have your child help turn the pages.

As you read, point to the words with your finger so your child learns that the words go from left to right.

Slowing down the pace will let your child keep up with the ideas in the story.

Look for repetition or rhymes in the stories.