Creating a Reading-Friendly Home

The best way to raise a great reader is to make reading a big part of their lives. Here are some ideas to fill your home with reading.

Books, books, everywhere! Surround yourself with books. Store them in a place that is easy for your children to reach. Visit bookstores and your local library often, and get your children their own library cards. Also, try flea markets and garage sales for inexpensive books.

Build a book nook. It doesn't take much to create a special reading spot--just a cozy chair in a corner or a comfy pillow by a sunny window. Show your own love of reading to your children by curling up with a book of your own too!

Fit reading into everyday life. Ask about your children's favorite books or what they read at school while you're riding on the bus or in the car. When the family is cleaning up after dinner, ask them to read you a story. Then trade--you read aloud while they clear the table or put away silverware.

Follow their lead. Help your children find books that reflect their interests, such as nature, sports or mysteries. And don't worry if your kids are reading comic books or ghost stories -- as long as they're reading!

Give yourself a break. Listening to recorded books on tape or CD is a great substitute when you're really busy, not around or too tired to read. And listening in the car is almost guaranteed to keep your drive calm.