Book Selection

Does your child avoid reading? Some children avoid reading because it is difficult for them. Other children reading fluently avoid reading because they think it is a bore or associate it with a homework assignment. One way to foster a love of reading is to choose just the right book. No one wants to read a poorly written, uninteresting or such complicated book that numerous trips to the dictionary are required to understand it.

Just Right Book
Model for your child how to pick just the right book and he/she will quickly learn how to do this independently.

Materials (All of the options listed below are good starting points.)
Library
Bookstore
Well-stocked bookshelf at home

Step 1
Make your child a vital part of the selection process. If you are headed to the library, get your child a library card so he/she can check out books alone. If you are headed to the bookstore, purchase a gift card for your child to use to buy a book. If you are headed to those well-stocked shelves at home, make a pile of duplicate or unused books to donate. All of these suggestions will give your child a sense of responsibility and pride.

Step 2
Let your child peruse available books and select one.

Step 3
Preview the book together. Look at the title, pictures and summary on the back cover. Ask your child questions. What do you think the story is about? Why did you pick this particular book?

Step 4
Read the first few pages together. If there are too many new words, suggest a more appropriately leveled book about the same subject. If you will be reading the book together, a few unknown words are fine.

Step 5
Explore different genres and types of publications including books, magazines, newspapers, letters, websites, lyrics and plays.

Step 6
Look for series that may appeal to your child. Children fond of a particular author's writing style or series will most often pick up the next book to read.

Whether reading at home or in school, just the right book will encourage children to develop a love of reading not only for informational purposes but also for pleasure. So, start browsing libraries, bookstores and shelves at home filled with endless possibilities.