Twelve Secrets for developing good readers and good Bermuda Citizens: 1. Talk to your child at home. Love comes first and every day. Language comes next. A good night's rest, a good meal and lots of exercise helps to stimulate the mind.

2. Support the school's discipline plan. If the teacher has control, a good work ethic can be established and much learning will take place.

3. Make sure the principal evaluates the teachers. When this happens on a regular basis, the principal knows exactly who is teaching and who should be replaced. (We also have to take a look at the teaching of maths, science and computers and not just reading).

4. Ask the school for a written policy on how they intend to teach reading during your child's entire career in that school. Parents who do send a clear message to the principal that he/she is being watched, and the school will be held accountable if it does not live up to its intentions, if, of course, you are also doing your part.

5. Make sure you attend all meetings. After all, having a baby is a lifetime commitment. If your child fails to get a good education, he/she will live in your house and eat your food forever.

6. Make sure your child is an active member of the Youth Library. It is free.

Children who use it on a regular basis with their parents do even better.

7. Have a cable/TV policy. Parents who do, always win. Arguments and fights rarely exist. After all, we are the adults who pay the electric bills and we are in charge.

8. At least once a month give your child $10 to $20 to buy books. Go with your child but do not select the books. Buy your own and let them see you read.

9. Read to your child. If you start when they are young you will be amazed what they tell you when you pause. If you are uncomfortable with reading, there are lots of books on tape. For some reason they all love The Legend of Codfish and Potatoes, which is also on tape.

10. Ask questions. Parents who do are always flagged by the principal: "I better make sure that child gets the best or that mom/dad will be on my case.'' 11. Take your child on trips around Bermuda, especially our nature reserves and talk to them. (Hog Bay Level Park is Bermuda's best and most underutilised) Children empowered with language are the ones doing well in our schools...not those told to be quiet.

12. Classes that work are noisy, but not out of control. Remember to send in lots of thank you notes and treats to the teacher. Teachers who get them somehow work a little bit harder with your child. No, it is not a bribe, but we should all try it every once in a while, even on our jobs.

13. Make sure your child has a comprehensive list of activities beyond football and make sure you keep a record of these events for their scholarship applications. Church, and Sunday school teach them how to read. Singing helps to build confidence. Chess, bowling, golf, cubs, brownies, scouts, girl guides, grandparents.

Above all make sure you teach and show respect for the teacher and the learning process.

Dale Butler J.P. M.P., author and historian, is a former principal of St.

George's Secondary School and Northlands Primary School and is currently the Director of Training, Leadership and Communications for the Little Venice Group. Among his books is The Legend of Codfish and Potatoes.

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