Beyond the Bookshelf

Although many parents love having their children's books nicely organized on bookshelves, try to think outside the shelf. It sounds simple, but just having books in a convenient place can facilitate reading. For example, in a nursery, keep a stack of favorite books in a basket or on a table, near your favorite rocker or glider to make reading time a natural activity before bedtime. And piles of books in living rooms, on counters, or even in the bathroom, may be just the right inspiration for a read-aloud session, or your child's spontaneous perusal of a book.

Now . . . think about going mobile! If books are transported easily from room to room--in baskets, in boxes on wheels--they will be at your child's fingertips wherever he is. Sometimes convenience is key.

Siblings Reading Together

Encourage siblings to read together. Each one of the children will be rewarded. Older siblings get to practice their skills and feel a sense of importance and mastery. Younger siblings will get exposure to an additional reader (with a unique style of reading aloud). And they will be happy to get the attention of their older brother or sister who just may seem to live in a more interesting world much of the time. So it is a win-win. Plus, a sibling read aloud is a wonderful opportunity for a little bonding. Especially if there are a fair number of years between them, it is a happy way to connect.