Read to the children. Use expression in your voice and change this to suit the different characters. Ask the children questions about the story and answer their own questions. Be enthusiastic about the subject of book and authors. If possible, ask a local children's author to come into the classroom, or take the children to the local library to hear a writer's talk. Show the children that you use books in everyday life, for instance looking up a new word together in a dictionary.
Assign children short passages, chapters and stories to read at home. Aim to involve parents and caregivers in the children's reading. Ask the parents to listen to the children reading aloud. Use poems, rhymes and song to teach children about the rhythm and flow of words. Teach them funny verse, as children are often fascinated by humor, particularly if slightly rude. Use rhymes, repetitive words and short sentences to capture the children's attention.
Broaden the scope of children's relationship with reading. Subscribe to children's magazines and use books and magazines with pictures, as this is another way of engaging interest. Liaise with the school librarian. Observe the children's progress, picking up on reading problems as soon as possible, so that you can arrange appropriate support. Ensure that books are available in the classroom.