Being ready for school doesn’t just happen. We now know that there are many ways parents can and should help their child be ready for school. Certainly, you need to read together. You know it is important to talk a lot to your little one. Another additional thing you need to do to have him ready for school is to help him be excited about learning.

When children are excited about learning it really encourages them to learn. Here are ways you can help:

• Recognize her curiosity; let her see that you appreciate it

• Be pleased and excited about his play and especially when it shows his creativity

• Talk about her willingness and even her eagerness to try new things

• Reward his excitement about learning. Be excited when you see his eagerness to learn

• Comment about her attentiveness and persistence in completing a task

• Let your child see how you value learning by rewarding him with hugs and comments about the kinds of learning he demonstrates

Involve reading as another area to be excited about. Learning to read is an area of learning that parents are again a key part of. The parent who encourages reading by having books around and reading with their child really makes a difference in a child’s reading ability.

Check the quiz below to see how involved you are:

• Do you ask your child questions about the story as you read?

• Do you encourage her to point out items and name what she finds in the book she is reading?

• Do you read the same story over and over and even let him pretend to read?

• Do you encourage her to tell you what she thinks will happen?

• Do you ask him what he thinks will happen in the book you are reading together for the first time?

• Do you let her pick out the books she wants to read?

• Do you have books around the house and in his room for him to read?

• Do you ever get a bit dramatic as you read together?

• Do you read together daily?

• Do you hug her when you finish reading a book together?

Parenthood requires a long-term commitment to learning and listening. Parents must constantly evaluate their actions, making changes where necessary to achieve balance in their home lives.

Parents are such a key to the success of their children in these early school years. Encourage your child’s reading and learning. Take him to the library, talk with him, and enjoy his excitement with learning.

Horace Mann said that “A house without books is like a room without windows.” He was correct. Now that house just needs an involved parent to go with it.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.