If you can't seem to get you child interested in reading or listening to stories, you might try these techniques.

Difficulty Level: average      Time Required: 2 hours

1. Check at the video store for videos based on children's books.
2. If you child enjoys the video, introduce him to the book.
3. Read the book together, comparing and contrasting the book and the video.
4. If your child seems particularly intrigued by a particular character or animal (like the elephants in The Jungle Book movie), take him to the library and look for children's books about related subjects.
5. Check your library for videos. Reinforce a favorite book with a video. For example, both the book There's a Nightmare in My Closet and the video are excellent.
6. Take your children to see new children's movies that are based on books. Follow-up with the book.
7. See if there are books related to your child's favorite TV shows. For example, you can find Blue's Clues, Barney, and Sesame Street books for younger children.
8. Watch your child's television viewing habits to get ideas of his special interests (like sports, adventure, science) and find books related to them.
9. Check your public television station for movies/shows based on children's books. There are some excellent ones, like Anne of Green Gables.
10. If your older child is a reluctant reader but an enthusiastic fan, get him books about the popular young singers and actors he likes.
    

1. It's a good idea to preview the videos and read reviews of the movies before your child sees them.
2. Ask other parents for suggestions of good videos, movies, and books.
   

Related Features:

• Bookstores
• Libraries