Raise a Reader
Reading can be an enjoyable experience as long as you make reading time a family time.
Parents are children’s first teachers. As parents, it is our responsibility to develop early reading habit in our children. While making reading an enjoyable part of the day, children will also develop positive attitude towards reading. There are many simple things you can do to make reading fun for your children and at the same time strengthen their literacy skills.
• Make reading a regular activity at home: Start a reading routine, even if it’s for only 10 minutes a day. Even young babies respond to the warmth of a lap, and soothing sound of a reading.
• Introduce new books: There are different types of books available for your young reader. Seek out books about things he likes, whether it’s cartoons, comics, superheroes or fairy-tales.
• Read aloud: Let him pretend he is reading to you and praise him numerous times as he does that. Have conversations and discussions about the book with your child. Let him draw what he read in the story.
• Reread favorites: Most children love to hear their favorite stories again and again. Rereading provides your child another chance to hear his favorite part and fall in love with reading all over again.
• Listen to your child: A child’s vocabulary grows through rich conversations. Ask him open ended questions about the characters from the book to enhance his critical thinking.
• Make frequent visits to library and book stores: Public libraries and book stores are great resources for books. Make visits to libraries and book stores part of your family time. Make sure to check out the book section even when you go to other stores.
• Use his favorite toy as a reading buddy: Encourage your child to read to his stuffed animals. Anything that helps your young child joyfully embrace his role as a reader is worth exploring.
• Host a reading party: Invite a few of your child’s friends and their parents for a reading party. Get your child involved in selecting the theme, deciding on the guest list, and food for the party.
• Make books part of your home: Build a reading space in your home, keeping it cozy and comforting. Make sure there is a good reading light, and stock the shelves with books that are easy to both read and reach.
• Model good reading habits: Let your child know what you are reading. Your own interest and excitement about books will be contagious. Suggest reading as a free-time activity.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to develop early reading habit in your children. You don’t need to be an expert on reading, but it is important to understand the basics about learning to read. Nurturing a love of reading is a process. It’s not about turning a child into a bookworm, but rather about raising a child whose life is enriched by books and learning. So, decide to raise a reader, and before you know he’ll start recommending books for you.
Nurturing a love of reading is a process. It's not about turning a child into a bookworm, but rather about raising a child whose life is enriched by books and learning. So, decide to raise a reader, and before you know he’ll start recommending books for you.
This article is based on the workshop conducted by ECETA (Earily Childhood Education Teacher's Assocation) on Early Literacy at School Exbhibition 2073
