7 Ways to Raise a Kindergartener Bookworm

Select simple picture books with common words and a predictable plot. Your kindergartener's memory of the plot and pictures will help him read.

Read books over and over. When your kindergartener is familiar with the story, he can feel that reading is successful.

Nurture your kindergartener to become a fluent, independent reader. Encourage him to read to you, and only help if he gets stuck.

Share reading with your kindergartener by having him fill in words. If you read, "Have you ever seen a bear combing his ___?" your child will likely say "hair" to complete the rhyme.

Encourage your kindergartener to point to each word as he reads. Ask your child to point to words that he knows, or words that start with a beginning sound.

Prompt your kindergartener to find words that he knows in the text. Ask your child how he knew the word was "kitten" and not "cat" to make him aware of the strategies he is beginning to use.

Beginning readers use a lot of concentration and energy. Keep reading positive by stopping when you see your kindergartener becoming frustrated.