One of the most important activities you can do with your children to prepare them for success in school is to read with them. Reading aloud to your kids stimulates their minds, strengthens their imaginations, and improves language skills. Daily independent reading is essential for growing your child’s reading skills as well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Make reading time special. Turn off distractions like the TV. Make time to read every day. Reading fits into almost any routine. Schedule visits to the library (and get them library cards in their own names). Create a space that encourages reading. Make a "book nook" in your home especially for the kids. Take time to look at the book’s pictures if they have them. Talk about them. Ask children what they think is happening or what the characters are feeling. Stop at interesting points in the story. Ask questions such as "What do you think will happen next?" Help children relate the story to their own experiences. Ask "Have you ever felt that way?" Select and read a variety of books to children. Include poetry and stories about other cultures, lifestyles, and countries. Use books to help you discuss important events in children’s lives—welcoming a new baby, starting daycare, moving to a new home, etc. Model reading in your home ... remember even when you think children are not watching, they are and they will pick up on your love for reading. Read the same book together (like a parent child book club) and spend time talking about your favorite parts of the story. Want to see a new movie? How about reading the book first then attending the movie and see if your child can compare them. Continue to read to children after they have learned to read. This will expose them to language, ideas, and adventures beyond their own reading skills. Give books as presents. This tells children that books are special. Let children see you read. Point out how reading helps you do important things like following a recipe or looking up a phone number. Encourage children to make their own books.