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Talk With Your Child!

• Children learn to talk when they are talked with and listened to. You are your child's best model.
• Look at your child's eyes when he or she talks so he will know you're listening.
• Repeat what she or he says and add to it. "I more milk!" may become "You would like more milk!"
• Talk to your child as you do everyday activities. Describe. Ask questions. Activities such as washing dishes and gardening become learning activities this way.

Read to Your Child!

• Reading aloud is one of the best ways to help your child learn to communicate.
• Choose picture books with simple text that repeats. Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose are great examples!
• Talk about the pictures as you read.
• Ask your child questions about the book as you read. "Do you see the puppy? What's the puppy doing?"
• Take time to enjoy reading together.

Pay Attention!
Your response to his or her efforts teaches your child that words are important and fun.

• Respond to non-verbal cues. Your baby's smiles and gurgles are conversation, too!
• Respond when your child tries to talk with you.
• Listen to your child and help him or her voice ideas.
• Reflect what your child says to you and add to it. For example, when she or he says "Kitty!" you say, "Yes, I see the kitty. Isn't he pretty?"
• Read to your child when he or she asks you to.

Be a Good Example!
One of the best ways to help your child read well is to let him or her see you reading.

• Have many different reading materials available in your home.
• Read what you enjoy-reading is fun. Set aside time for reading.
• Read to yourself often, and let your child see you.
• Talk about what you read with your child.

Use the Print Around You!
Print is all around us, and it is a natural beginning as your child learns to read.

• Look at the print around you and make sure your child looks, too. The label for McDonald's includes a word as well as the golden arches.
• Read the print around you with your child. Your child is on the way to reading when she recognizes "stop" and the name of his or her street.
• The words all around you are a natural opportunity for your child to learn. Make sure your home offers your child many chances to look at and use print by providing printed materials, such as books, newspapers, and magazines, and by involving him or her in activities, such as making grocery lists and writing thank you notes. Labeling some of the things in your child's room and/ or other parts of your home can also help him or her learn to recognize familiar words.

Limit Television Time!
Too much television discourages activity and may prevent your child from learning and growing to be her or his best.

• Limit the number of hours per week your child watches television.
• Help your child choose which programs to watch.
• Watch with your child. The most important reason for your child to learn something new is family taking part.
• Use television as a teaching tool. Talk about what you see with your child.
• Remember that very young children don't understand the difference between "real" and "pretend." Television can be scary and confusing.

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