Guest Author - Rebecca Wilson

Once I discovered that I could read, I have been an avid reader. I still remember the first book I read by myself, applying for my very own library card, and the summer I spent reading books by Roald Dahl. A love of reading is something I want to pass on to my daughters.

A great way to foster a love for reading is for your daughter to see you reading. Children learn by example. If they see their parents reading, they will want to read as well. Reading to your daughter is an invaluable way to help your daughter to enjoy reading. Though many might never admit it, even teenagers enjoy when the adults in their lives read to them. Encourage your daughter to read to younger siblings or other young children.

If you have access to a local library, make going to the library a part of your routine. Whether you go weekly or monthly, your daughter will grow accustomed to the library environment. Many libraries have book clubs for older children and teenagers as well as craft and story hours for younger children. Libraries often hold summer reading programs as well. If you feel overwhelmed by the large selection, begin with the books you enjoyed as a child. Chance are, you’re daughter will enjoy them, too.

Give books to your duaghter as gifts. My daughters cherish the books they can call their own. If you're on a tight budget, Scholastic has a book program for schools - including homes schools - so families can buy quality literature at an affordable price. Make it a family affair by going through the order forms together. Pay attention to what interests your daughter for future gift giving.

You can find books with ideas for activities and crafts to go with many books or you can think of your own ideas. Act out the story, make a meal or dessert that was in the story, go to plays and museums related to the story. Discuss the book and share your point of view of the story or what you learned from the story or characters. There are many ways to make a book come alive for your daughter.

Writing is another way to encourage reading. Together you can learn the writing and publishing process for books then write and illustrate your own book. Publishing is as easy as printing the story on the computer and putting in a folder or going to the copy shop to have it bound. You can even create your own cover to be laminated and bound with your writing and illustrations.

My daughters and I have enjoyed all of the ideas shared in this article. Not only has my oldest daughter developed a joy for reading, she discovered that she enjoys writing and illustrating her own stories. We also learned that we have similar interests as well as those that contrast. Through my daughter's interests, I have discovered new interests to enjoy. In the process, we are making connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.