Advice from Zionsville Library Parents Who ARE Bananas for Books!

Bananas for Books
Originally uploaded by HMMPL YOUTH

This summer several parents took the time to fill out the reading survey that asked the question, "What advice would you give other parents to promote reading at home?".

Here are the excellent tips from our Zionsville Library Families!

"Read aloud from the womb up. Really- start reading even before you think they understand. Your example as a hungry for learning reader is also very important."

"Check out lots of books so there is a variety of different choices."


"Read every day NO MATTER WHAT! Let your kids see you reading every day. Read books "above their level" aloud even if you think they do not comprehend everything."

"I put the baby in his crib with lots of books and put of some music (when old enough to sit up, manipulate books). He loves to hold them, turn the pages, and look. Also, when we read together to this young age (9mos. +), I don't try to finish the book. Just let them turn the pages and talk about what you see."

"Make reading a part of your bed time routine. Read Together: to your kids or quietly at the same time."

"Let kids choose books. "new books" for summer. Before nap - put into schedule. See a video of book before reading book."

"Before bedtime each night, we let each of our preschool children choose 3 books to read together. Our older child, who reads independently, is allowed a further 15 minutes of reading time after that before we turn out the light."

"Begin reading with babies as early as possible. My son went through phases of not wanting to sit and read for very long. I just read with him for whatever amount of time he was interested. Now he'll sit and read for an hour or more and is just beginning to want to read on his own. He loves books!"


"Read! Read! Read! I started reading to the boys when they were babies. As toddlers, when they would get frustrated and upset, I'd grab a stack of books and snuggle and read. By the time we were done with the books, they had regained their composure. Even now (3 & 5 yrs) , when they start to argue, we read. We also read when they wake up in the morning, as quiet time in the afternoon, and before bed. We also tell lots of stories, so they can tell mom and dad elaborate stories using a fabulous vocabulary."