Books can be windows into a magical and intriguing new world that introduces you to endless possibilities, mesmerising characters, and feel-good moments. As parents, we love reading them to our kids to introduce them to inspiring stories that teach valuable morals and help them understand people and the world around them.
But how can you help them pick up a book and slowly get into the habit of reading themselves? Reading is a wonderful way to improve their language and vocabulary, communication skills, understanding patterns and sounds, and more. But a little help from parents goes a long way. Find out why reading is good for kids and how you can help your child get into the habit of reading daily and become an avid reader!
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Why Is Reading Good For Kids?
Getting kids to read daily is a beautiful habit to encourage, but why is it so important? Read on to discover why reading is essential for young children (see what we did there?)! Reading imparts various life skills that children will carry with them through life. Here are some of the top reasons:
- Improves language and communication
- Develops understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
- Improves memory and focus
- Opens their minds to different perspectives, experiences, cultures, and people
- So, how can you help your children become good readers?
How to Help Your Child Become an Avid Reader
1. Let Them Choose
Let them pick the book they want to read, even if it’s the same book every time! Getting to choose makes them more inclined to read, and reading the same book can familiarise them with words, sounds, and patterns.
2. Read Together
Start with bedtime stories that you read with them. Then, slowly encourage them to read one line per page with you. Help them pronounce unfamiliar words and praise them when they get it right! As your child becomes familiar with new words, try out new books or fun word games like “Swap a Letter to Make a New Word” to see how they get on!
3. Make It Relatable
When reading a story with your child, look for things in the book that remind them of real life. For instance, if the story is about friendship, ask your child about their friends and how they feel about them. This helps them connect the story to their own experiences.
4. Create a Reading Nook
Create a cosy reading nook by setting up a quiet corner away from the TV with pillows, blankets, and soft lighting. This will minimise distractions and encourage them to look forward to reading.
5. Model Good Reading Habits
Set up some time to pick up a book and read yourself. Watching you enjoy a book in a corner instead of watching TV or using your phone encourages them to read, too!
6. Give Books as Gifts
To excite kids about reading, gift them a variety of book styles, such as comics, picture books, nonfiction, and others. This diverse collection will spark their curiosity and make reading more engaging and enjoyable. It also allows them to develop new tastes and find a genre that excites them!
7. Be Patient
Encouraging a child to read takes patience. If they get distracted, let them explore, wander around, and fiddle with their toys, and then return to the book when they feel comfortable doing so again. Support those struggling with reading with word games to boost their vocabulary, and consult speech and learning therapists for advice on what would help aid your child’s learning.
These simple tips and tricks will lay the foundation for making reading an enjoyable activity for your child and slowly turning them into avid readers.
What is your child’s favourite book or story? Let us know in the comments section below!
