(StatePoint) We live in a fast-paced world where children have so many ways to consume both entertainment and knowledge. With so many distractions present, how do we keep children focused on reading?

Unfortunately, Americans across the board don’t read as much or as well as they have in the past. In fact, 93 million American adults read at or below a “basic” reading level, according to government statistics.

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With effort, this decline can be reversed. Here are some tips to turn kids into passionate readers:

• Fill your home with books, magazines and newspapers.

• Read with your children regularly.

• Help kids feel connected to literature with personalized books, which can engage children at a young age. Additionally, name repetition leads to recognition and an interest in learning. More information about personalized children’s books can be found at www.MyChronicleBooks.com

• Consider an e-reader and load it with educational tools and apps. Children will welcome a digital interface.

Don’t wait. Getting children focused on the written word early is important, setting them up for academic success and a lifetime of learning.