Talk with your child: Take advantage of everyday opportunities to talk with your child when you are walking, riding in a car, eating dinner or shopping, for example. Children who aren't drawn into conversation or encouraged to talk often have problems learning to read, which can lead to other problems in school.

Monitor homework: Identify a special place for your child to study. Set a regular time and check in once in a while to see if your child needs help.

Monitor TV viewing and video game playing: Set limits on the amount of time your child spends watching TV and playing video games. Spend time watching TV with your child and talking about what you are watching together.

Encourage your child to use the library: Go to your local library together; obtain a library card for your child; introduce your child to the librarian; and check out books for both of you.

Help your child learn to use the Internet safely and effectively: Spend time online with your child. If you don't have a computer at home, check to see if your local library has computers that you and your child can use.

Encourage your child to be responsible and to work independently: Help your child choose activities that build his or her knowledge, responsibility and independence; monitor what your child does after school, in the evenings and on weekends.

Encourage active listening: Listen to your child's ideas and respond. This type of give-and-take at home is likely to help your child participate and be interested at school.