Top 10 child literacy spoilers

6. Pressuring your child to read.
Do you push your children to read? Be aware of how much tension you're imposing on your child and think about how doing so affects his or her attitude towards books.

7. Failing to nurture the art of storytelling.
Make storytelling an important part of your family and culture by encouraging grandparents, aunts and uncles to share their stories.
Tip: Everyone loves to be read to. Ask out-of-town grandparents to record themselves reading a book to your child and then make the recording a gift (add the book for the child to follow along with).

8. Choosing your child's reading material for him/her.
Does your child have input into what he or she is reading?
Tip: The library can be a wonderful resource for reading choices. Younger children especially enjoy the responsibility and entitlement that comes from having their very own library cards. But don't stop there. Take advantage of library programs (often free!) and book clubs.

9. Selecting the wrong material for your child.
Is your child reading age-appropriate material? Be sensitive to the individual interests of your children. Allowing them to choose reading material that reflects their own interests will increase their love of reading.

10. Do you value the written word?
Writing and reading go hand in hand. Encourage expression through reading and writing with your kids. Keep an interactive family journal of notes to each other. Make a habit of writing thank you notes for gifts and letters to grandparents.

BONUS TIP: Celebrate ABC CANADA Family Literacy Day(TM) on January 27! Recognize literacy as a personal and family priority every day of the year.

Always keep in mind the First Rule of Reading: Keep it Fun!

Visit these sites for more ways to keep your kids reading:
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation(TM) www.abc-canada.org

Robert Munsch www.robertmunsch.com
Listen to Canada's favourite storyteller read The Paper Bag Princess, Thomas' Snowsuit, Love You Forever or many of his other classic stories for kids.

Fun Brain www.funbrain.com
Torpedo parachuting penguins with snowballs as they try to land on your floating iceberg, play prehistoric Mad Libs Junior, or read the daily entries in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There are tons of games and activities you'll enjoy as much as your child will.