summary When your children want to play store, suggest that they stock soup cans or spices on make-believe grocery store shelves using the same system they do in many real stores-alphabetical order. Source: The RIF Guide

summary Detective novels make great read-aloud fare for you and your older children, and much of the fun is in out-detecting the detectives. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers. CATEGORIES: Celebrations and

summary Add some drama to your read-aloud time with the simplest of props-a hat. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers. CATEGORIES: Drama AGES: 1-2 3-5 MATERIALS: Minimal TYPE: Indoor, Outdoor TIME OF DAY: Play

summary Here's a technique that will keep restless children more involved during read-aloud time. Ask children to help you provide sound effects in the appropriate places. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers.

summary If you can stand the noise, strip up a rhythm band to accompany your read-aloud sessions. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers. CATEGORIES: Drama, Music AGES: 1-2 3-5 MATERIALS: Multiple TYPE: Indoor,

summary Here's an idea for older readers who would like to share their best reading asset -- their eyes. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers. CATEGORIES: Cultural Heritage, Drama AGES: 9-12 teen MATERIALS:

summary Suggest that it might be fun to dress up as a favorite storybook character or even a book itself! This idea will appeal to all the book lovers if you have occasion to dress up. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES:

summary Let your children walk in your shoes - literally! Save your old clothing and accessories for their pretend play. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Drama AGES: 3-5 6-8 9-12 MATERIALS: Minimal TYPE: Indoor

summary "How do I sound?" the child asks. Better this time, you'll say, after you play back a recording of the child reading the same page for the umpteenth time. Sure enough, the child's performance has improved

summary Remember the voice that moaned, "Who took me bo-o-o-ne?" as the campfire crackled and you nearly jumped out of your skin? Your children can also delight in spooky stories and you can all enjoy those spine-tingling