Making Kids Good Readers

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Margo Burton, an alumna of Williams College met Don Burton there, married him and several years later had a baby. One alumni weekend Margo took her son to see the admissions director, a friend from college days.

Half-laughing she asked how she can be sure her son could get into Williams when he grows up. "Just read to him every day," was a quick answer.

That story has been around reading circles for years and except that names were changed, it's true.

Many studies have shown that reading consistently to kids is the strongest factor in a child's later reading success.

It's how you read that's important.... whether it's a newspaper or a book. Holding close in warm arms helps associate reading with pleasure and hearing the nuances of text conveys meaning; sharing a story builds vocabulary.

For reviews of wonderful books, access the supplement dedicated to good choices titled Children's Books in The New York Times.