In light of the fact that reading is essential to nearly everything a child learns in school, this skill was found to be well stressed in Fruita’s local elementary schools, Loma, Shelledy and Rim Rock Schools.

While the teachers are doing a terrific job at getting kindergartners ready to meet their expectation of begin able to read before they reach grade one, and helping first and second graders master the skills involved in reading even better as they progress to higher and higher expectations and goals, there is one element in this learning process that cannot be over-looked
because of its importance. That element is parental involvement in the process.

Yes, parents are tired after a long day’s work, but sitting down with your child, children, can be made into special memories if handled in a manner that is fun for both, child and parent.

Reading to the younger children can be made into a game of “Do you know which picture shows what this word means?” or, “Can you finish my sentence?” or many other types of “can you…”

From the time the child is born, parents can be getting him/her ready to read. Just talking to, reading to, going through picture books are important exercises in helping children learn the love of reading.

Toddlers love songs and rhymes. Action is the name of the game. Keep reading short, simple, fun and often. After the toddler is familiar with the book, make mistakes and let him/her correct you. You can check out web sites for all kinds of ideas to promote reading readiness at home.

Kindergarten expectations have changed in the past few years. Now, even though kindergartners only attend school half days, they are expected to be able to read before they enter grade one. The idea for full day kindergarten is one to consider strongly.

To help your kindergartner, talk about his/her day at school. sing songs, read rhymes. Say silly tongue twisters. Play language games. “Your name begins with a J and so does this word, John, jump.”

Read favorite books for the 100th time.

Pause and ask questions about what you and the child have read. Be patient with first graders sounding out words. You read to them, they read to you. Pick books that are at the right level. Dig deeper into the story. Read favorite books over and over. Take control of the television. Talk, talk, talk every day about shool and home.. Use new word. Reading is so important. It is your child.

Times photos by Vera Mulder.

	Rimrock Elementary students love reading the word, then finding the picture that matches the word. Remember the old Waldo books?	Loma Elementary School’s library gets a good workout as students enjoy being read to, as well as finding books they love to read on their own.
Listening as one follows the words is a great exercise in reading.		This young man is concentrating on reading every word.
Here the artist points out her very own contribution to the book made by her class.