How to raise a reader

Our best tip for raising a young reader who will love books and literacy is to have fun together.  It’s a natural activity that everyone can enjoy.  The early years are critical for developing a lifelong passion for books and reading.  It’s never too early to start!

• Read to your baby every day
• Sing to your baby and make language come alive
• Use nursery rhymes
• Visit the library and borrow books to share at home
• Choose books with colourful pictures and simple words
• Read with expression … or just tell the story in your own words
• Hold the book so baby can see the pictures clearly
• Point things out in pictures and talk to your baby about them
• Reread favourite books over and over again
• Set aside a special time each day to read for as long as your baby is enjoying it
• Remember: you can read anytime, anywhere