Routines for Reading

Try to select a time you can regularly read together for at least ten minutes a day. It doesn't matter if you choose the morning, the afternoon, after dinner or just before bed. It is much easier to do if it becomes a habit like brushing your teeth or anything else that is done at approximately the same time each day.
If your schedule changes a lot and you can't come up with a regular time, squeeze in reading time whenever you can.

Ask child care providers, older sisters and brothers, grandparents or others to read to your child.
Use the public library and low-cost paperback bookclubs to have a constant supply of books to read. Look for Caldecott and Newberry award winning books. Ask the children's librarian for suggestions of high-quality literature for kids.

It's never too early or too late to start reading to children. Babies and toddlers may like to munch on books almost as much as hearing them - but they are learning about language as they hear your voice. Whatever child's age, start reading together now.
It is not true that once children can read on their own they no longer benefit when others read to them. Children still learn about language and about the world when books are read aloud to them. Read longer and more difficult books than they can handle on their own when you read aloud. Share the experience of the book, discuss plots and help children connect stories to their own experiences.
Give books and magazine subscriptions matched to your child's interest for lasting gifts.
Preteens and teenagers still need to hear someone read aloud to them. Take turns reading out of a book you are both interested in hearing.
Encourage reading in bed by letting children who are reading stay up 15-30 minutes later.
Try reading interesting bits of information from the newspaper or magazines while your child is cleaning the kitchen after dinner or doing other chores.
There are an unlimited number of ways that families work reading into busy schedules - the important thing is to just do it!