Even when children have begun reading, they're still faced with many challenges on the road to becoming independent, confident, and passionate readers. As they enter the elementary grades, the initial thrill of reading often begins to wane just as a more formal approach to reading skills is introduced. In addition, children's growing interest in friends and the world outside of home — a typical aspect of development — may seem to distract them from reading. Listed below are tips to help keep reading in the spotlight.

• Keep reading aloud.
  Right now your child's ability to understand and enjoy more complex stories far exceeds his ability to read them by himself. Balance easy-to-read books he can enjoy on his own with more difficult ones that you read aloud.