There are a number of important things that you can do in order to encourage your child to read. Numerous different studies have demonstrated that the intervention of parents and daily reading to your children are the most important elements when it comes to teaching children how to read. Children who have parents who read to them daily from the time that they are infants demonstrate earlier reading ability, more advanced reading ability, advanced language capabilities and development at a younger age, and more brain development at a younger age.
How to encourage your child to read
1. Be a positive example about the importance of reading
Numerous studies and research have demonstrated that one of the most important factors in determining a positive attitude towards reading in children is positive examples and reinforcement from parents. As a parent, you can provide an incredibly positive example by reading often on your own time. Let your children see you read. Take your children to the library. Have a number of books around the house so that your children can have access to books at any time and so that they see how important and central books are to every day life.
2. Read with your child every day
More studies have demonstrated that one of the most important factors in helping children learn how to read is daily reading with their parents. Read with your child for at least 20 minutes every day. Begin reading to your child when he or she is still an infant. Read to your child while he or she is a toddler. When your child learns how to read by himself or herself, continue to read with your child. Always be involved in your child’s reading life.
3. Take your child to the library
Take your child regularly to the library. Time at the library will let your child pick out books that he or she finds interesting. No child is going to want to read if he or she doesn’t like the books that are in front of them. Give your child a number of books that he or she can choose each library visit. If your child is old enough, get your child a library card. This sense of responsibility and privilege will help your child feel that reading is important.
4. Take your child to storytime
Almost all libraries offer storytime sessions on a regular basis. These sessions are often geared towards children of different ages. Many libraries offer storytime for infants, storytime for toddlers, and storytime for older children.
You should also check out summer time reading programs offered by libraries. If your children have a sense of challenge, then they will be even more motivated to read on a regular basis. A system of prizes and goal achievement will motivate almost any child. If your child is not interested in summer time reading programs, then you shouldn’t force your child to be involved. But be encouraging.
5. Subscribe to a magazine that your children will be interested in
A magazine subscription will ensure that new reading material arrives on a regular basis. This monthly or weekly arrival will make your children excited about reading the new issue. Highlights Magazine for Children is a good idea, as is World, which is a magazine published by National Geographic exclusively for kids. If your child is creative, encourage him or her to submit stories and poems for publication. Place emphasis on the achievement of creation, rather than on the importance of winning a prize.
6. Schedule regular reading time
If your child knows that a particular time is set apart for reading, especially with Mom or Dad, then he or she will become even more excited about reading. Also, reading will become a natural part of the daily schedule and part of the daily flow of life.
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