7 Ways to Make Your Kids Love Reading
Reading is beneficial to children and adults alike. Kids should develop the reading habit, as early as possible. Some of the benefits of reading by a child include building a connection between the written and spoken word.
It helps in the development of their emotional and intellectual intelligence. I can remember my mum, used to give me various books to read when I need a break from watching the telly. I didn’t see its significance until I reached high school and discovered that some students found it hard to read long text when I just enjoyed them.
Reading books deepens a child’s imagination and is also essential in the development of creative thinking. You don’t need a website, to get that. Below are ways to make reading fun and enjoyable for your kids:
- Set an Example
Children often try to imitate adults and especially, what those close to them do. It starts with you as a parent. For you to inspire them to read, they need to see you doing it. Let them know that it is possible to read because of choice and not because you have to.
Swap your ebook with a paper book. You don’t want your kids to assume it’s your ordinary screen time, and you were probably looking for a review writer. You can also use this time to create memorable memories with them, by offering to read together.
Whilst your child may be involved in reading during the day, especially if they are enrolled in something like one of these preschool programs in Herndon, VA, you also need to pay visits to the library to keep the momentum of reading going. Introduce your children to appropriate books. Start with the classics, e.g., Winnie the Pooh. Don’t forget funny books and specifically those with appealing titles.
They will surely make your child giggle. You can also slowly but surely introduce them to varied topics, in Science or any other exciting subject area. Try a book on animals, plants, or dinosaurs, for instance.
Be their role model and guide them gently in embracing the culture of reading.
- Choose The right Book
You don’t expect a 4-year-old to be interested in the Harry Potter series. Find books that are appealing to them. You can even make room for them to choose the next book to read. Allow them to read what they like. Interests may vary from one child to another.
For small kids, they enjoy picture books, with large and bright images. You can also include pop-ups. Books that comprise of short and rhymed poems encourages a child to develop their imagination.
Add comics to the reading list, too. You may have to read the same book, over and over again. That’s okay. The child will finally move on to another book. Don’t forget to be open-minded to their choice.
It is a way to keep them excited about reading.
- Reading as a Ritual
Set aside time to read, every day. Ideally, in the evening when you are almost done with your chores including searching for a suitable APA lit review. By this time, the child is in need of peaceful activities.
Get a book that you also enjoy, and read it out loud. A child will know when you aren’t interested. Ensure that everyone enjoys the story. Show them that it is okay to set aside a book that one doesn’t like and find one that does.
If their choice is not your cup of tea, it will make the discussion points more interesting. Let this not discourage you. It is what you need to do, to keep them interested in reading.
Start a book club by encouraging a few kids in the neighborhood to come for the reading session. Afterward, lead them in discussions about the parts of the book that fascinate them and the characters, too.
- Reward them for Reading
In school, the kids already have the pressure to read. At home, you can turn it into a fun and enjoyable activity. Don’t be one who obsesses over the fundamentals or keeps reinforcing lessons.
Keep the reading time, fun and light. You can start by creating a dedicated area for reading. It should be an entertaining place, possibly made up of chairs and a blanket. Remember to reward them for reading.
When using technology, encourage them to engage in activities that are constructive. Show and train them how to use Kindle for ebooks. You can start with the free books, check out what Amazon also offers.
- Introduce them to audiobooks
Spice up the reading sessions by introducing alternative options. Take audiobooks for example, rather than listening to the trending songs, let them listen to someone reading a book. It will help them experience fluency.
That is the ability of a person to read the text, with proper expression accurately, and quickly. These alternatives will entice their curiosity and kids are curious. It is an opportunity to broaden their horizons.
Look for children audiobook at the library or try listening apps, e.g., audible.com.
- Role Play
Make reading fun through role play. After all, a child will rarely criticize you; instead, he or she will be making recommendations. You don’t have to feel shy about it, though it may seem “silly.”
But it’s all for the benefit of your child. Increase their interest in the book by imitating animals or talking in funny voices. Help them relate to the story. Allow them to enact parts of the story.
It will make them eager to play and read.
- Be Creative
Create an environment that’s rich with content to encourage your children to read. That means you have to be strategic in your approach. At this age, they still love breaking the rules, once in a while, so, don’t be pushy.
Place books in areas they might quickly come across. It could be on the nightstand or the kitchen counter. Provide them with a variety of options to choose from, starting with comics to magazines.
Know what draws their attention. If it’s appearance, then, work with that. Some kids prefer books with pretty covers. Placing large books may be intimidating to them.
Conclusion
You have to be wise in training your children on reading. Allow them to read books that pique their interest. Encourage them to read by setting an example and be strategic.