Giveaway: McGraw-Hill Education CLOSED

I feel that one of my greatest accomplishments as a parent, so far, is Wyatt's love of books. He has such an appreciation for them and understands that they can offer him entertainment, information, and much more. We started reading to him at an early age as part of his bedtime routine and still do so. We also take him on frequent trips to the library, which he looks forward to doing. Whenever we get home from the library, he sits with his books and just looks through them.


The summer is a great time to spend those hot afternoons inside with a good book. The folks over at McGraw-Hill Education had one of their authors, Charlene Cobb, Ed.D., give some great reading tips. Here they are:

-Create a summer escape in your home perfect for reading. Make sure there is good light and comfortable seating to entice your kids to spend time there.

-Even if your children can read by themselves, take turns reading to each other. This helps build their skills as they listen to your tone and inflection throughout the story or article. Before, during and after you read, talk about the material. Ask you child questions and encourage you child to ask you questions.

-Whether you are reading to your children or they are reading themselves, plan an event or activity that ties to the reading material. For instance, book reading can lead to picnics, museum and zoo visits, ballgames, or even family vacations.

-Look for opportunities for your child to read. If you have a manual for a new DVD player, ask your child to read you the directions. Grocery lists and “to do” lists are also good items to help kids practice reading in “real life.”

-Share the reading experience with your child by reading the same book or material they are reading so you can discuss it.

-Even if you are not reading the same books as your children, talk to them about what they are reading. Ask them questions such as what happened in the story or what might happen next, who is their favorite character, or who is the villain. This builds summarization and recall skills, and your interest can help increase their interest.

-If your children’s school program provides materials for home activities, absolutely use them.

-Suggest your child read a popular series that has been turned into movies like the Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia books. When your child finishes reading the book, rent or go see the movie and discuss how each differed from the other and whether the book or movie was more enjoyable.

-Look for materials beyond fiction. Kids often prefer to read about facts, including books and articles about the environment, animals, current events, sports, and other factual topics. Talk to them about what they like and help them find reading materials that match those interests.

-Try to set aside at least one TV/video-game-free night per week for family reading. Make your family’s favorite snacks, get new books at the library and make it fun!


One of my tips is to always let your child pick out what catches their attention. What may not seem like a good book to you might be perfect for them.


McGraw-Hill Education has offered one lucky reader a series of 3 readers for their age group. All you have to do is enter below.


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1) Tell me your tip for getting your child interested in reading.


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Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on June 26th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

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