How to turn children into readers

1. READ -- Begin reading with your children before they are born. Babies love to hear their parents' voices and the rhythm of the spoken words. As children get older, they enjoy seeing the pictures in books as you read the words. More importantly thought; children love sitting in the Mom's and/or Dad's lap and listening to a story. "Children become readers on the laps of their parents." I don't remember where I saw this quote, but it is so true!
2. TALK -- Your children want to talk to you even when they are babies and can't say "real" words. Kids need to hear words used in different context. Talking also lets you learn what's happening in your child's life.
3. PLAY -- Go outside and play. You can play a game of catch, a game of hopscotch or basketball. You can go outside and watch the kids run up and down the driveway. Let the kids stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors.
4. NO TV -- OK, maybe no TV is a little harsh, but limit the TV watching to a minimum. Kids learn in 3 dimensions. TV is only 2 dimensions. Even those TV shows and videos that claim they help babies learn need to be viewed in moderation. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing.
5. READ -- Reading is so important that it needs to be listed twice.

Education does not begin in kindergarten. Parents are the first and best teachers. Going to school is a formal education. Parents teach in an informal setting; everyday!