Reading is an extremely important life and school skill. It is my belief that reading is the key to success for students in school and adults in life. As a life-long reader, I read tons when I was younger spending hours at the library, and as a mother, reading to my two kids. It wouldn't be unusual to see my little ones walking around with a book. As my children have grown, I have two very different readers. My son reads for purpose, and my daughter reads for pleasure. Whichever way your child reads, it is my goal to help your child be the best reader they can be.

   Reading should not be a punishment. Picking up a book should be a choice, a desire. When asked, by me, to read every night for 20 minutes, ideally your child would argue when it is time is up. I know this isn't always the case. If it is a struggle for your child to pick up a book, there are a few things you can do to make this experience better.

•  Make sure your child can read the words. If your child makes 3-4 mistakes within the first 50 words, the material may be too difficult to read. If it is difficult, frustration will follow. 
• If your child can read the first 50 words, talk to them about what they just read. Many children can read the words, but lack the comprehension skills to understand the material. Ask: "What did you just read?" "Tell me about the characters." What do you think will happen next?" When and where does the story take place?" If the questions are answered accurately, the material is good to go!
• Reading material can be many different things. Ideally, books are great. But please, don't forget about magazines, newspapers, poetry, non-fiction texts. Graphic novels are extremely popular as well! 
• Also, check the environment. Does your child have the TV on? iPad? Earbuds in the ears?  Not good!  It should be quiet and comfy. The kids are given 20 minutes daily to read without much interruption. Those 20 minutes are the most valuable minutes of the day. Students need time to practice reading just like sports, instruments, and all of the other things that require practice to be the best they can be. 
• Take your child to the library, the book store. Let them chose a book of their choice. You may have to bite your tongue when they choose Captain Underpants or DogMan, trust me, I've been there!  A great website for used books cheap is Thriftbooks.com. Another great place to get books is the flea markets and yardsales.
• Encourage reading.