Oh, D-E-A-R!

Ages: 5-13+

Summary: The next time you hear a young voice say, "Oh, D-E-A-R!" you'll know that's the cue to "Drop Everything and Read.

The TV and stereo are off, no phone calls are taken, and there are no unnecessary interruptions for the next twenty minutes or half hour.

Make silent, sustained reading an institution in your home. Set aside a time each week, or twice a week, for family reading. (You can adjust the time as your children's reading advances.) When that time rolls around, everybody -- parents included -- takes time out from what he or she is doing to read something. A book, a magazine, a newspaper -- even a letter qualifies.

The family can settle in the same room with their various reading materials, respecting each other's quiet but enjoying the companionship. Or readers can go off to their own favorite nooks. If you have a pre-reader, suggest that the child either look through a picture book or play quietly with a puzzle or a toy.

Following the reading, life may resume as usual, or you can persuade family members to stay and talk to each other about what they're reading. You might ask questions about your children's books or share an interesting passage from the book or article you have been reading.