Reading doesn’t have the attractive lure it used to have. With video game consoles, handheld electronics, the internet, and 200 cable channels the idea of sitting quietly with a good book is a hard sell. But it is important that we do what we can to instill a love of reading in our children at a young age. The longer they go without an interest in reading, the harder it will be to ever get them hooked on books.
Read with your child. You’re busy. I’m busy. We’re all busy. But it is very important for you to make time to read with your children. In addition to the documented benefits of that bonding time, you’ll be introducing them to the joys of reading. Taking fifteen minutes at bedtime to work through a chapter book not only accomplishes those two benefits but also serves as a good wind-down activity to help transition to sleep time.
Read without your child. It’s been said so many times, but it continues to be true – children learn more from what we do than what we say. If you tell your children to sit down and read while you watch TV they will most likely find that they will look for any excuse to avoid the chore. But if they see you enjoying some quality reading time they will see it as a desirable pastime and behavior to be emulated.
Talk about the stories. One way to keep your child interested in reading is to discuss the book at dinner or at other points distinct from reading time. Talking about the book at the dinner table gives your child the opportunity to relate the previous night’s story to his siblings or your spouse. Retelling the story encourages the child to really pay attention during reading time and gives them a sense of ownership in the tale.
Find a reading buddy. If your child’s friends and classmates have read – or are reading – the same book as your child, there is a great opportunity for them to bond over the story. That connection means that your child will most likely show more interest in the book and a greater desire to continue on to the next book in the series.
It takes some active pushing to get 21st Century children to want to read. But it is possible. With these four helpful hints you can start your child down the road to a lifetime love of reading.