Dear Parents,

I have dedicated this page to sharing ideas and thoughts in helping make your son/daughter's school year a better one. Your involvement in this process is very important.

Here are some fun and easy ways to encourage your child to read and enjoy books:

*Buy a "how-to" book on the latest craze or your child's area of interest (for example, skate-boarding, hairstyles, celebrities).

*Subscribe to a children's magazine. Consult your local children's librarian for recommended titles.

*Use nighttime reading as a reward for getting to bed on time.

*Give bookstore gift certificates to your child for special occasions. Then visit the bookstore with your child and help him or her select a new book.

*Show genuine interest in books your child brings home.

*Read to your child often.

*Sit next to your child and put your arm around him or her when reading aloud.

*Encourage your child to read signs, ads, billboards, food containers, and anything with print.