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Getting children to read can prove to be a difficult task, but there are many researchable tips and strategies to promote reading. A very popular strategy that has helped promote children to read is by letting them read a book that has been adapted into a movie. Michele Borba, an educational psychologist, has an excellent tip on her website. Michele Borba suggests that children become movie critics through reading.

How can a child become a movie critic? A child can watch the movie and then read the book or read the book and then watch the movie. Once a child has completed reading the book and watching the movie or vice versa, he/she can compare and contrast the two. Did your child like the movie or the book better? What were the differences between the two?

The great thing about books adapted into movies is that no ages or genres are ignored. Parents can find a list of movies that have been adapted from books on this Wikipedia page. Interested in what movies will be released based on books? Check out this website. Four of the movies listed in the website that will be sure to get kids excited are:

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians; The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
• City of Bones; Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
• Hunger Games; Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• the second installment of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Reading a book that has or will be adapted into a movie is a great way to get your child excited about books. Make sure that the books and movies are age appropriate.

As a parent or caregiver, your child's academic achievement depends on your role in preparing your child for school. You can ensure your child's success in learning and life by getting involved early in your child's education. Communication between parent and child is crucial. Your connections to the school and his or her friends will help your child adjust to school. Here are some ideas to help prepare your child for the upcoming year:

• Let your child know what the schedule will be like. Include what time school begins and ends each day.
• Ask your child about his/her feelings -- both the excitement and the concerns for the first day of school.
• Visit the school with your child to see the classroom and meet his or her new teacher before school officially starts.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school. It will be fun and he or she can make new friends.
• Let your child know that all kids are nervous about the first day of school.
• Leave a note in your child's lunchbox.
• Reassure your child that if any problems arise at school, you will be there to help resolve them.
• Try to have your child meet a classmate before the first day of school.
• Arrange for your child to walk to school or ride together on the bus with another child in the neighborhood.
• Find out about after-school activities that your child can join.
• Please be sure to update all contact information for your child.