Tips for inspiring young readers (BPT) - It's never too early -
or too late - to help your child discover the joy of reading. In
fact, reading aloud to your child helps build important
vocabulary and language skills that last a lifetime. Despite the
considerable evidence of a relationship between reading
regularly to a child and that child's later reading development,
six out of 10 babies and five out of 10 toddlers are not read to
regularly by parents or family members. Reading Is Fundamental
(RIF) and the Buddig Be A Reader campaign offer scores of
activities, tips and resources for raising readers of every age:
* Start reading to your children when they are very small and
make this time together a special time without everyday
distractions. Continue reading aloud to children even after
they're reading on their own. * Choose books carefully and ask
your kids what they like and don't like. Your children's input
will help you guide them to good books. * Consider books with
big, bright colorful illustrations a