Talk with your child about daily events and take time to listen to what your child wants to tell you.

  Read aloud to your child - every day - and let your child read to you.  The more children read, both in school and at home, the more they will improve their reading abilities.  Read with children of all ages.

  Encourage children to draw and scribble stories at home.  This will increase confidence at school.

  Take your child to new and different places such as museums, historical sites, and nature centers.  Talk about what you've seen.

  Supervise television viewing.  Choose good programs and set some time limits.  Talk to your child about what you have watched.

  Establish a regular time and place for doing homework, encourage your child's efforts, and offer praise when assignments are completed.

  Be generous in showing affection and express interest in your child's every day activities and accomplishments.

  Instill self-confidence by encouraging your child to believe in his or her self-worth and abilities.

  Encourage good health practices by making sure your child has three nutritious meals a day, gets plenty of sleep and exercise, and has regular dental and medical checkups.

  Monitor how your child spends his or her time out of school.  Limit video games and television viewing and encourage reading, hobbies, scouts, and other activities that provide learning and social opportunities.

  Make sure your child attends school regularly.  Show and interest in what is being learned at school, and communicate that school is important.  Belief in the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and the importance of education all contribute to greater success in school.

  Be a role model for your child.  Children will imitate what they see their parents doing.  If you read, your child will want to read.