The benefits of reading have been studied and proven time and time again over the years. It is an undeniable fact that children who do not read suffer both academically and even socially, depending on the situation. Not to mention how it will affect future career prospects. From lower self-esteem to decreased communication skills, it’s clear that not only is the adage that “reading is fundamental” extremley accurate, but those who do not read are inferior and unable to compete in life with those who do. It’s the readers who can expect more (and easier) success later in life, and that’s even without an economic boost from their particular upbringing.
When is the best time to get your child to start the journey of reading? Well, some would say immediately. With such imaginations that naturally and frequently run wild, the benefits of beginning to read books at a young age are truly immeasurable. But like anything else, talking about getting children to enjoy reading and actually getting them to enjoy reading are totally different things. Especially if they are seeing it as task they must do rather than something that is fun.
See below for our tips on how to get the little one in your life’s nose into a book.
1. Make books a topic of conversation
Like with anything else, the more that you talk about reading, the more it will become routine and commonplace for your child. Bringing up and discussing books that would be new to your children can spark their interest and also give you a more specific idea of what they may really like reading about. For example, if you child loves animals, talk about books that have animals as the main characters and see which type of animal gets them excited. It’s also just as important to talk about the books they have read. Schedule a 10 minute session after each book you read with your child to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and questions on the book. Engage them.
2. Give them the final word
Nothing can get a child more excited or feel more special than letting them make their own choice. While this might not always be optimal and they may not choose what you hope (or continue to choose the same thing over and over), giving them this choice lets them get a taste of independence; a feeling that they will associate positively with reading.
3. Have a designated reading spot
Create a place for your child to read that will have anything and everything they might want. Whether that’s a snack, a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, or even just a nice quiet place in an otherwise noisy house works wonders. You do not want there to be anything that could distract them from reading.
4. Read to them
You know what can make the most boring of stories exciting? Inflection and animation in its telling. Even an appliance use manual can keep any child’s interest if read aloud in the right voice. Maybe your child will not remember everything about the story or even the story at all as they grow, but the experience and the feeling that it gives them makes an imprint, which can grow into associating pleasure and fun with reading.
5. Give them books
Ensure that if a child wants to pick up a book, they are able to do that as easily as possible. The less of a chore it is for them to grab books, the more likely that they will. This goes for both at home and in school. And if a child ever expresses wishes for a certain kind of book or a specific book in general, make sure to get it for them ASAP. And know that if you are unable to buy the books, there is always the local library!
