take things in. When reading to very young children studies show that mastery of language comes more quickly if the children frequently hear some words with exaggerated sounds like a drawn out “oooo” in “moo” or a softy breathy tone with “hush”.

6 Read stories over and over:

It takes a long time for kids to take it all in, and they love familiar stories where they know what’’s coming next. * Tape yourself reading your child’’s favorite stories so kids can hear them when they want.

7 Foster their awareness of letters and print:

Point out familiar letters in their everyday lives, such as the ““S”” in Sesame Street.”” *Buy them plastic letters to play with or make some. * Write their names on possessions like lunchboxes. * Give them writing supplies when they play games like house or hospital.

8 Surround them with writing tools:

All kids like having varied supply at their disposal. *Provide them with different kinds of papers, as well as markers, crayons and pens. * Encourage kids to tell you stories, write them down, then read them back to them.

9 Don’’t pressure them:

Nagging your kids about what they read may turn them off to reading in general. * Comic books and sports magazines are better than no reading material at all. *Agree to take turns in choosing their bedtime stories. * Ask your librarian for books that are both entertaining and educational.

10 Show your appreciation:

Nothing encourages good reading habits like positive reinforcement. * Display your child’’s writing in prominent places, such as the refrigerator door. * Don’’t jump on every mistake a child makes while reading aloud, especially if it doesn’’t change the story. * Talk with your kids about what they are reading and wrting in school.

Sources: National Association for the Education of Young Children, The International Reading Association, National Institute of Child Health and Human development. Reports in Newsweek April 29, 2002 and The Indianapolis Star June 17, 2002