How Can You Turn Your Child Into a Reader?

  Kids who only read in school will never be good readers because, quite simply, that's not enough time to become a proficient reader.  It's enough time to learn to read, but not really enough time for most kids to become proficient at reading.

  How much children read out of school, more than anything else, will determine how well they read.

  Outside of school the average 8-10 year old child reads slightly less than four minutes per day.

  The bottom line is that children learn to read in school, but it's how much they read outside of school that will determine whether they will become a good reader or poor reader.

Interesting statistics aren't they?  These facts and figures come from a former elementary teacher by the name of Gary Johnston.  When I attended the South Dakota Reading Council Conference in Sioux Falls in 2011 I went to his session.  I found his presentation to be very engaging and the suggestions and ideas that he shared for how parents can help their children develop a lifelong love of reading were practical and easy to implement.  

I would strongly encourage you to visit Gary's website at www.kidsintoreaders.com and click on the "For Parents" link to read about Gary's six steps that all parents can do to turn their children into lifelong readers.  These are simple things that will get your children excited about reading and will help them develop a skill they'll use for the rest of their lives!