While researching ideas for a recent article on children’s reading, I came across many interesting comments and suggestions from parents across the world on how to get kids to read.
The unanimous perception was that the earlier you introduced your child to books, the quicker they pick up reading and a love for the written page. One parent said that she read to her child from the day he was born. Others showed by demonstration - they read as usual. The children of these parents, drawn by natural curiosity picked up books themselves.
If you are a parent and want to give your child the gift of reading, here are five tips you can use:
-
Read aloud. Whether you start when your child is a baby or a little older, reading aloud to your child does more than teach him about words. For one, it brings you and your child physically closer (snuggle up time!). Even if your child does not understand the words he will love the warmth of the moment and respond to you and the rhythm of your words.
-
Make reading a family activity. Get older siblings to read to younger ones. Or incorporate reading into bath and bed times. Associating reading with having fun encourages children to pick up, and continue the habit.
-
Point out words in every day settings. Whether you are at the supermarket, taking a walk (spell out S T O P if you see a sign at the traffic lights) or see something on TV, point out words to your child.
-
Read a book, then watch the movie version. Discuss the differences between the two with your kids.
-
Create projects that involve books. Cook a recipe taken from a book, tie in a visit to the aquarium by reading about fish or the ocean, dress up as characters from a favourite story.
Do you have any tips on getting kids to enjoy reading?
Submit to Social Networks (digg, stumble upon, del.icio.us, ...)
Related on this blog:
Found it interesting? Don't forget to bookmark the feed from the site.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment