Give Children the Gift of Reading

 
Studies show that it's never too early to start reading to your child. The children who have been exposed to literature and reading when they were very young, usually excel in school. In fact, some parents read to and interact with their child when the child is still in the womb. My sister taped stories for her little one before she was born and put the head set on her tummy.

Having books and magazines available in the home is very important. Children need to see that reading and books are important. If you are on a tight budget, then go to the public library and get a library card. You will also find many wonderful programs for children there. Most libraries have a read aloud day for pre-school children and parents. For older children there are also summer reading programs. Parents should take advantage of all the opportunities to further their child's education.
 

After all, parents are a child's first and their most important teacher. 

 
You can't go wrong with the old favorites that have been loved by many generations of children. Here are some of my favorites that are sure to please.
 

 
Books about talking animals feed the imagination. Children love animals and these delightful stories and characters are some of the most treasured by children.
 

 
Books and toys for the very young should be well made and washable. There should be no small parts that may come off that could be swallowed by the child. When buying toys for young children, always check the age level on the box.
 

 
Children love their pets and love to hear stories about pets. They can relate to these stories and learn from them.
 

 
Some of the newer titles may not have much of a story line, but if they will get a child interested in books and they contain no objectionable material, then I would use them. All books are not Caldecott or Newbery Award Material, but they still can be enjoyed. And besides, one of these cute and funny books might be just the thing to get your child on the road to becoming a reader.