Dr. Wendy Ghiora – March 10, 2012 – Posting #105
Instilling a lifelong love of reading is a singular gift all parents should bestow upon their children. It is by far the best way to help our young people succeed in school, discover their own unique interests and gifts and develop into confident, well-rounded adults.
There are a wide variety of ways to encourage children to read. The more of these you try, the greater success you will have. Indulge yourself in a bounty of fun introducing children to the magical world of books.
Here are just a few suggestions to make reading very attractive for children:
1. Make reading a daily part of life, including reading road signs, recipes and directions out loud.
2. Set aside time to read with your child every day. Spend time reading together just before bed and take turns reading out loud with younger children.
3. Pay attention to what your child is interested in, and find books for him or her to read on those subjects.
4. Spend at least an hour every week at the library.
5. Set time aside every week for family reading night.
6. Make reading interactive – ask your children’s opinions on what they are reading. Discuss the story and the characters with them. As they get older, you can ask what they think the author’s message or purpose was for writing the story.
7. Set goals, such as challenging your child to read three books over Christmas break.
8. Ask older children to help younger ones with reading. This activity will boost older kids’ confidence, in addition to providing important practice for younger children.
9. Actively encourage children to read and congratulate them on their progress.
10. Set an example—seeing you read will encourage your child to do the same!
“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
Victor Hugo
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