Suggestions are presented for parents on helping their children develop an interest in reading, including: talking frequently to children; helping children understand the importance of reading; reading aloud to children; reading "one-on-one"; involving children in writing; and choosing good books. (CB)

Parents have an important role in their child's early preparation for reading. To help children develop positive attitudes towards reading, parents can read aloud, talk and listen to their children, show good reading habits, play with their children, and take field trips. (DF)

Parents may better prepare their children to enter school by making sure that daily activities and household routines serve educational ends: learning scientific concepts through helping in the kitchen; being encouraged to read by having access to a variety of books. Specific activities are described. (JL)

Presents answers to 12 questions parents might have about reading aloud to young children (e.g., why, how, when to begin, teaching reading, building a love of books, choosing books, and the whole-language approach). The article discusses the educational advantage reading aloud gives to children in their early years. (SM)