Which will your child learn first: to read or to write? Most children develop these skills at the same time. The following are some things you can do to help your child become a reader and writer:

Read aloud every day. Set aside a regular time for reading that your child can count on.  Have plenty of children’s books around your home within your child’s reach.  Go to the library regularly and check out books.  Look for secondhand books at yard sales and thrift shops. Encourage family and friends to give books as gifts.

Reading is everywhere. Find other times to read, for example, when you’re waiting at the doctor’s office.  Bring a book with you or pick up a magazine or read a brochure about health care. Read aloud the items you use in daily life: food labels, directions for baking a cake, and greeting cards you receive.  Keep magnet letters on the refrigerator.

Stock up on supplies for writing and drawing. Store things to write on: paper, recycled paper, pads, or scratch paper. Store things to write with: crayons, markers, pencils, and pens.  Store supplies for making books: cardboard, a stapler and scissors. Save items to cut and paste: junk mail, catalogs, coupons, and old magazines.

Let your children see you read and write. Read aloud a favorite poem.  Read the caption under an interesting photograph in a newspaper or a magazine.  Read aloud the words on food packages, menus, signs, and billboards.  Write important dates on the calendar. Ask your child to help you make up a shopping list or write a letter.

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