This is Part 2 in a series about preparing children to read. If you'd like to read Part 1, go here.

As we discussed last time, reading is a lot more than just connecting written letters to make words. It is a process made up of four parts: comprehension, decoding, vocabulary, and fluency.

At first, preparing our children to be successful in all of these areas might seem overwhelming. Good news! There is one thing that you can do that addresses each of these things simultaneously. It's fun, takes no preparation or special skills, and you're probably already doing it!

Read aloud to your child. Do it daily. Here's 10 reasons why:

1. Reading aloud to your child is fun bonding time. Get a blanket, a few good books, and cuddle up to read. Even my daughter who is constantly on the move, will sit still to read.

2. Reading aloud to your child helps develop language skills. It gives them to opportunity hear the right way to use words and models how words work together to bring meaning.

3. Reading aloud to your child models that reading is fun. Children who enjoy reading, read more. The more they read, the better readers they become. Its a positive cycle, and one that you want to start early.

4. When your child hears you read aloud, you are modeling good fluency. You're letting them hear what it sounds like when good readers read.

5. Reading aloud to your child introduces them to new words and builds their vocabulary. Use the pictures in the book to reinforce new words.

6. Reading aloud to your child can teach new concepts about numbers, nature, cultures, and much, much more.

7. Reading aloud to your child demonstrates the importance of reading in everyday life. Read a variety of things as they come about in your day such as grocery lists, thank you cards, even TV listings.

8. Reading aloud to your child opens the door to building comprehension strategies. Talk about the story as you read, encourage your child to ask questions, make predictions together.

9. Reading aloud to your child begins to build print awareness. They learn how books work, how to turn pages, that you read left to right, and that the pictures add to the story.

10. Reading aloud to your child develops listening skills. Being a good listener is one of the most important skills we can teach our children. It will help them be successful in school, in relationships, and in their careers.

Now go grab your child, a good book, and READ!