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Helpful Hints

Kid reading newspaperNewspapers are great for kids of all ages. Even young children enjoy photographs and comics. Early readers can read the large print in headlines and ads. Special time alone together will go a long way to promote positive attitudes toward learning.
  • Don't overlook any part of the newspaper as a starting point for a conversation with your adolescent. Sports, comics, classified ads, advice columns - as well as news items can present interesting topics.
  • The activities in this brochure will help you talk, read and think with your child. Pick a few activities from each category. Some days a child may be more interested in reading, while on other days a "talk together" activity might be more fun.
  • Consider your child's interests when selecting articles for discussion. At the same time, learn more about his or her interests from the articles that he or she enjoys reading and discussing.
  • Your understanding of your child's interests will help you select activities that will be appealing to your child.
  • Remember that reading The Post together can help build the habit of daily reading. Try to read aloud to young children every day. Ask grandparents, neighbors or older brothers and sisters to help. Ask the child to read to you, too.
  • Read aloud some of the shorter articles and have your child do the same, but don't stop at the end of the article. Make it part of a regular routine to talk about what you have read; exchange ideas and opinions about what's been read.
  • Anytime you can find the time to talk with your children will help develop communication skills. You don't have to have the newspaper in your hands to discuss what you and your child have read; talk about what you've read during meals, in the car and when completing family chores together.
  • You may want to scale down the newspaper with young children. Do this by using only one section at a time.
  • Establish a comfortable place for your newspaper activities. Point out parts of the newspaper that may be of special interest to your child.
  • Many families have an "art gallery" on the refrigerator door to show off the results of the child's efforts. You can also share projects with grandparents, friends or neighbors.
  • Use short, frequent periods for the activities, rather than occasional, extended periods. If your child shows little interest, try again another day.
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