By Shara Lawrence-Weiss, owner of Mommy Perks and Personal Child Stories

Tip #1: As always…I don’t believe there is ONE “right way” to teach reading. All children (and adults) are different.

Tip #2: Many parents think kids should get books around the age of 1. Not so. Books can be offered from birth. Examples coming next…

EXAMPLES: Offer books that can’t be destroyed: cloth books, rubber books, laminated books, etc. All good options for giving books to babies.

Some young children also do fine with board books, however, some kids do not. My daughter tore board books right down the middle so I gave her laminated books and rubber books. They are the only books she did not destroy.

Tip #3: If books are offered from birth, an early appreciation for literacy begins because the books are used as toys! Not pushy…just toys!

Tip #4: Kids can identify with images quickly. Point to a pic and say the word: “Ball!” Say it a few times; repetition works great.

Tip #5: Books that are *crammed* with images and text do not typically work well. Keep books simple and effective!

TIP #6: Use photos to teach concepts & reading any time you can (it works wonders above clip art, etc)

Tip #7: Glue a photo to paper. Write a word on back. Laminate if you can. Round corners (sharp). Give to kids as toys in the car.

Tip #8: Do you know the signs of “quality literature?"

Tip #9: Older kids: Offer books about subjects they ENJOY. Don’t force a genre on them. If they want to read mystery books (or even about boogers), let them!

Tip #10: It’s recommended that kids read at least 15 minutes a day. Many experts now say 30 minutes is best.

Tip #11: Keep books at eye level from birth up (shelves, etc). That way, kids see them, experience them & learn to enjoy them right away.

Tip #12: Keep books in the bathtub, also. Rubber ones – Walmart sells for like a buck or two. These also double as toys! Again…play! Yay!

Tip #13: For older kids, Great Kid Books offers book reviews so you can check out or buy books your kids will love.

Tip #14: Play games with older kids to enforce literacy and spelling, reading, etc (also sportsmanship!).

Tip #15: Most important – be patient. Have fun with it. It will all come in time. Every child is different & learns in different ways.