Pools are closing and school is starting. There’s no better time to focus on the importance of reading at home.

Reading has a profound impact on a child’s ability to succeed in school — and life. Unfortunately, almost half of 3- to 5-year-olds aren’t read to daily. And as children enter school, busy parents may be tempted to stop their nightly read-alouds. But it’s just as important for you to be involved in their reading journey as it is for their teachers.

Through the Nestlé Share the Joy of Reading program, RIF is offering tips for helping parents inspire their kids to be passionate readers:

• Start young. Reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain critical language and communication skills and instill great habits.
• Take advantage free online tools and resources that help make reading an engaging, shared experience for parents and kids. Check out our activities for more ideas.
• Variety is the spice of life. Be sure your house contains plenty of books to choose from on a variety of topics.
• Launch a children’s book club with other parents. Take turns hosting your children’s friends for snacks and a lively discussion on the book of the month.
• Kids love getting mail. Subscribe to children’s magazines so they’ll have something fun and beneficial to look forward to each month.
• Make sure children have their very own library cards and become frequent patrons at your local library.
• Be it the morning paper or your favorite novel, set a great example by making reading a daily habit for yourself.
• Many literacy programs supporting underserved communities, like RIF, are currently experiencing federal funding cutbacks. Invest in the lives of other children who might not have the same opportunities as your kids. Give to RIF today. Or check out other ways to give. For example, right now, every time you enter a promotion code found inside specially marked packages of Nestlé and Wonka candy at www.CelebrationCorner.com/RIF, Nestlé will donate money to RIF, to fund purchasing books for kids.

Start this school year strong for your child with reading!

posted by Jay

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Tags: back to school, Nestle, reading, school