- Have a library at home.

- Have at least one newspaper in the house. It doesn't matter if children only read the sports or horoscope section.

- Learn what their interests are. If it is football, buy books which relate to that.

- Foreign or local fairy tales appeal to children of all ages. The Fabulous Five, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew are great series.

- Read to your children before they go to bed. It may be easier to watch a movie, but in the long run, reading has more benefits.
- Set children free in bookshops. Allow them to choose the book they want. Don't be disappointed if they want He-Man comics. Slowly get them to buy He-Man books.

- Encourage children to talk about what they read. Teach them that there is no right or wrong opinion. Read, think and vocalise.

- When you buy your child a chocolate bar, get him or her to read the label. When you buy a new movie, ask them to read the cover. These are simple things you can do to encourage reading.

o Source: Dr Radha Nambiar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia