When a lot of parents think of reading with their child, they immediately think of sitting down together, opening a book and reading a story. This is absolutely fantastic, but in the years that I have worked with children at school, a lot do not understand that there are many

When you go out for a drive in the car, do you 'read' the highway signs, or the traffic signs? What about shop front signs? These are all forms of reading and a good game to play in the car or even while going for a walk in town, is to look for a certain word or letter if they are just starting off. I know we all like to give our kids the best start we can in their education.

 Let your children see you reading books and magazines for enjoyment. It need not be a chore. Show them that Mums AND Dads read. Also share the reading with your child. If they ask to see what you are reading, let them have a go or read a bit to them. They might not understand it, but read anyway.

Do you discuss pictures that you may see, either in books, magazines, road billboards, etc. Let them have a go at what they think may be happening in the picture. What are the people thinking? What might they be saying? This all helps with conversation and comprehension skills. Helps them work out picture clues when they start reading.

Read books with expression. Vary levels of your voice from soft to loud, but never too scary. This keeps the kids interested and reading is not such a chore.

Join your local library. Borrow books together. Most council libraries have kids library activities so check them out. I know my local library has Children's storytime every Wednesday and Sunday.

A few points to remember:

• Make reading a daily occurence.
• Mum and Dad can read to your child.
• Turn off the TV and other distractions.
• Read with expression.
• Talk about pictures.
• Look for words everywhere.
• Join your local library.

But most of all: Remember that just as sport is great exercise for your body, reading exercises your mind.

So open a book and have some fun.

Leisa