Identify children who need extra help in reading and contact volunteer groups at nearby colleges, high schools, community organizations, religious groups, businesses, or senior centers. Include children with special needs. In addition to reading with volunteers, children can draw pictures about the characters in the book or make up stories of their own. After listening to the child's story, volunteers might print or type the story for the child to keep. Read with children about their native culture.
Children often respond well to stories about their own cultures.
This practice also exposes other children to cultures different from their own. In addition, offer books without words so children can make up their own stories to go with the pictures. Encourage families to read with children. Support family reading times by allowing children to borrow books overnight or for a few days. Sign up for programs that provide free or inexpensive reading materials.