Reading aloud to your children is one of the very best things you can do for them - especially after they already know how to read for themselves. Reading is quality time spent together; it fosters conversation and interest in learning. It can draw parents away from night-time television and internet habits and add to their own education as well. Studies show that reading aloud to children motivates them to read on their own and significantly improves their vocabulary and comprehension. Choose from a variety of book types: classics, fairy tales, saint stories, poetry, humorous family stories, fantasy and historical fiction. Negotiating read-alouds with younger siblings can be a major challenge. Try starting with a favorite picture book for the younger crowd and follow it up with a few chapters from a full-length story Even a short amount of time - perhaps 20 minutes a day - can be an invaluable part of your child's education. Further Information: Cay Gibson's book A Picture Perfect Childhood is a great place to look for wonderful books to read with your children. Negotiating Read-Alouds