10. READ!
Yes, the teacher in me is coming out with this idea, but as someone who “adopts” 26 children every year and wants the absolute best for each of those kids, this is the ultimate best suggestion I can give. I have seen lives transformed in such wonderful ways when children learn to appreciate reading. It may be a struggle at first, and you’ll likely have to get on board with the commitment as well, but it is so worth it! The time you spend reading together will become cherished time now and as fond memories. I recommend using an incentive-based website such as bookadventure.com. While they don’t have every book in the library on their website, I’m actually quite impressed with their somewhat extensive reading list. After choosing and reading a book from their database (you can choose by age, reading level, genre, etc.), your child can take a 5-10 questions quiz on the website all about the book. They earn points and can earn rewards for reaching certain milestones. The website does offer some free prizes (seriously!), but they aren’t the most enticing. Perhaps you could work out prizes such as going to a movie, having a sleepover with friends, buying a new book, etc. Learn more about the program and register for an account here.
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