Parents, teachers and children will celebrate Children’s Book Week, November 13–19, in classrooms and libraries around the Valley. This is a great time to instill a love of books in your children. A parent’s example makes the strongest impression on kids, so celebrate at home with these fun ideas:

Visit the local library as a family. Help the kids pick out books, but then let them help you pick out a book or two. Talk about your favorite genres, talk about new hobbies or projects you would like to read about. Show them the value of the library as a resource for information on any topic.

Have your children (and maybe a friend or two) read a book together and act out their favorite scene. This could be a very simple project, or could include costumes, props, sound effects, ticket booth, etc. Gather family and friends to enjoy the show.

Turn off the television and read aloud to the kids. They benefit from the quality time, but they also benefit from hearing books too difficult to read themselves. Add dramatic flair by changing your voice for each character and pausing just before exciting plot points to build suspense.

Read a book with your children and help them write a new story with the characters from the book. Talk to them about plot, character development, etc. For a young preschooler, this might entail setting a scene for them by asking, “What do you think would happen to Curious George at the mall? How do you think he felt when the sign fell?”

Reverse roles and have your kids read to you. Sit back and enjoy as they read their favorite book or their newest book to the family. What better way to build confidence and get an early start on public speaking skills, something many adults struggle with!

Make the hour before bedtime family reading time. Your children will benefit more from watching you enjoy reading than from any lecture you might give on the importance of reading. Reading time just might become a daily habit long after Children’s Book Week ends.