New Guidebook Can Help Raise A Reader

Kids who read succeed.

Reading stimulates imagination and fosters creativity. It helps develop language and vocabulary skills. Reading opens doors to a variety of learning, including math and science. And reading gives a child confidence for the future.

Parents, take note: You can make a huge difference in your child’s life by instilling in him or her a love for reading.

Raising a reader is easier than you think, says the American Library Association. It doesn’t require special training or a huge time commitment. And, it doesn’t have to cost a cent.

A new guidebook, “Raising a Star Reader,” helps adults in this important endeavor. The book is written by the library association in partnership with Suave, the maker of personal care products.

The free booklet is a valuable resource for parents - new and veterans. With 13 colorful pages of information, it is loaded with simple ways parents can incorporate reading into everyday life for children of all ages: newborn, toddler, preschool and school-age.

Included are tips on how parents can help their kids make good reading choices; another section explains how the local library can help you raise a reader, and how the computer can improve a child’s literacy. There is a list of top-rated children’s books to explore, as well as helpful web sites on the Internet.

“Reading is a year-round activity that educates, entertains and prepares children for the world of learning that awaits them,” says Larry Maloney, a Suave spokesman. “At school, children will learn how to read or improve their ability, but it’s up to parents to make reading fun and meaningful, so children will want to be good readers.”

Here are some tips to encourage reading in your family:

Help your child sign up for a library card as soon as he or she is old enough. Make trips to the library special events.

Limit television and videos to carefully selected programs. Instead, set aside read-aloud time for the family. Ask your librarian for book suggestions with family appeal.

Enroll your child in the library’s summer reading club, which is free and offers fun incentives. They also help a child retain reading skills during the summer.

Expose your child to plays, puppet shows and musical performances which further stimulate literacy.

Notice your child’s interests, then find newspaper and magazine articles, web sites, plays or books on those topics.

There are four steps to order the free guidebook, “Raising a Star Reader”:

1. Buy any three Suave products before May 30.

2. On the cash receipt, write the 10-digit UPC number from each item and circle the prices.

3. Write your name and address on a 3x5 card.

4. In an envelope, include the cash receipt, the 3x5 card, and a check for $1 (shipping and handling), payable to: Suave Guidebook Offer, P.O. Box 7101, Young America, MN 55573-7101.

Deadline for the offer is June 30. Allow six to eight weeks for delivery. For further information, check out the web site, http://www.ala.org.KidsConnect or call 1-888-READER2.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track offers notes and information for families. Write to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.