Reading is unbelievably important in everyone’s life. It increases vocabulary, improves academic performances, and is an excellent way to wind down after a long day. When all of these things are combined, it’s easy to see how important reading can be to any child—especially one who doesn’t enjoy it. Read on for tips to instill a love of reading in your child.
1. Teach them to love stories
Fictional reading is comprised of stories, and once your child learns to love stories, it’ll be easier to enjoy novels and other books as well. This can be done in numerous ways: let her watch a movie and enthuse herself about the story behind it.
Ask her, “Wasn’t that story interesting? Don’t you think everything that happened was so cool?” Another way to do so is by telling her a bedtime story. Ask her what she liked and how she can find other similar stories.
2. Be a role model
Read books in front of them, preferably ones with interesting covers, and encourage them to ask questions. Answer with detailed answers about why you like this book and how the plot makes it interesting. Teach them that if you can love reading, they can too.
3. Get the help of librarians
It might be difficult for you to pick out the just-right book for your child, but librarians are trained to do so. Let your child speak to the librarian himself the next time you go to the library, and get him to bring home at least one book to start. And when he does, drum up some excitement about it! Don’t bombard him with questions, but do pepper his reading time with a few inquiries about how he likes it so far.
4. Make your library a regular stop
Go there regularly, as soon as your child finishes a book or two, and make the visit enjoyable. Treat going to the library as regularly as breathing. Make it a staple of your life, and your child will understand the importance of going to the library and checking out and enjoying books.
5. Make reading a game
Be fun, creative, and upbeat about it, and your attitude will rub off on your child. For example: Answer the Question can be a game. Have your child finish a book, and ask him questions.
The more questions he answers correctly, the more rewards he gets. But remember to keep these rewards small—extravagant gifts at first can seem harmless, but these can escalate into a spoiled child soon!
6. Respect books
If one has fallen on the floor, pick it up immediately. If your shelf is disorganized, straighten it out and make sure your books are situated perfectly. Let your child see these activities take place and let her participate in them too—in fact, encourage her to treat books with the respect they deserve.
Use these techniques and some others to get your child to enjoy and love reading. Remember to make the most of your local library and its employees!1