Reading Together Make It a Family Tradition Ten things you can do! License to read. On car trips, make it a game to point out and read vanity plates, license plates from different states, billboards, and interesting road signs. Better than TV. Read a good action story or tale of adventure to replace an evening TV program. Look and listen. Too tired to read aloud? By listening to a book on tape and turning the book pages with your children, you’ll still be reading with them, Labels, labels, labels. Label the objects in your children’s room as they learn to name them. Add more labeled items from time to time. Pack a snack, pack a book. When you’re going someplace with your child where there might be a long wait, take along a bag of favorite books. Recipe for reading ingredients. Jot down a favorite recipe on an index card, then read the ingredients together with your child as you both prepare a meal. Shop and read. Read aloud signs and labels in the supermarket. Putting away groceries is another great opportunity. Even prereaders can sort cans and boxes by color and pictures. Phone home. Can’t get away from the office? Keep a few children’s books at work and, instead of a break, call home and use this opportunity to read to your child. Reading pockets. Slip fun reading material into your pockets to bring home to your child– a story or comic strip, a greeting card, even a fortune cookie from lunch. Let your child know when there’s something to share in your reading pocket. A little longer? When your child asks to stay up a little longer, make it a 15 minute family reading opportunity.