Reading is important in life, whether you are a child or an adult. Some children, however, don’t find reading so important and only do it when they have to. Some of those children don’t even do it when they have to. With the development of more technology, how do you encourage your child to take a break from video games and toys and encourage them to actually read? Simple and fun little actions can change your video game junkie into a book loving child in no time.
1. Cartoons can actually be used as a reading tool
Flip through the comics section of your newspaper and find kid appropriate comics. Cut them out, give a few to your child and ask them to read them. Next, ask your child which comic was their favorite and why. If children associate reading with something fun, they will be more interested in giving a new book a try and expanding their vocabulary.
2. Cooking
Cooking with your child not can not only be a great bonding experience but it can also help with your child’s reading skills. Give your child a recipe and instead of them asking you what to do next, have them read off of the recipe and have them tell you what it says to do. It will also give them an opportunity to learn how to pronounce some words, such as lasagna, that are not commonly found in books.
3. Make the library a place to visit at least once a week
Allow your child to pick out as many books as they think that they can read that week. At the end of the week, have them write down their favorite book. Talk to them about why it was their favorite. At the end of the month, give them a book allowance. Have it be a certain amount of money and allow them to pick a couple of books from their list of favorites that they read during that month.
4. Have your child sit down for 20 to 30 minutes a day for reading time
Show an interest in what they are reading. Whether you are reading to them, them to you, or they are reading by themselves, ask them questions about the book they are currently reading. When you are excited about them reading and what they are reading, they will feel more encouraged. Not only will the child better develop their reading skills, but it will also help them to better develop their communication skills.
5. Don`t force
Encourage, but don’t force, your child to read. The more they feel like they are being made to do something, the faster they will want to give up on it. If they really hate a book and it’s not required reading for school, allow them to stop reading it. As an adult, if you are reading a book that you don’t like, chances are you’ll put it down and not finish it. Allow your child to develop their own opinions and get them interested in reading about topics that they enjoy. The more a child feels like it’s a joy to read, the more they will want to do it.
What are your ways to encourage your child to read? Share your thoughts!
