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Helping Kids to Read in 10 Easy Steps
Efficient reading skills are vital if our children are to grow to lead a successful life. Helping kids to read is one of the many significant jobs that a parent can oversee. Although for many children, reading is BORING! This was me as a child and there was nothing that bored me more than reading. Every summer, my mom encouraged me to read by allotting 20 minutes a day on a blanket under an oak tree in our frontyard to reading an interesting book I picked out from the library. Maybe it helped a little, but it still wasn’t until I was grown that I developed any interest in reading.
Even though it can be hard, learning how to support your child in reading, it is important. Try applying the following ideas to help encourage reading in children and help instill a love of reading with your child.
Helping Kids to Read Tip #1- Do not force your child to read. Doing so will only have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to accomplish. Instead, offer a lot of positive reinforcement by praising them when they read. Try allotting a chunk of time when the whole family reads, call it Family Fun Reading time. Doing this will gently direct the child toward choosing to read themselves, rather you forcing them into it.
Tip #2- Model reading by checking out books at the library or purchasing them for yourself. Let your child see you reading…and loving it!
Tip #3- Allow your child to choose their own books to read. Praise them when they read and don’t force them to finish the book if they don’t choose to.
Tip #4- Encourage your child to read about topics relating to their hobbies . For example, if they enjoy cars, help them check out books about cars.
Tip #5- Talk about books your child reads for class and pay attention to their interpretation of what they’re reading.
Tip #6- Help your child develop ownership in their books by helping them to write their names in their books. You may be able to buy cute stickers with your child’s name on them to make it even more fun!
Tip #7- Take regular family outings to the library and/or bookstore.
Tip #8- Give your child a book allowance. Kids will love this because they can spend their book money on something that interests them.
Tip #9- Read to your kids. Make up your own storytelling style to add enthusiasm to your stories and watch your stories to come alive!
Tip #10- Let your child read to you. Kids love this activiy so encourage them to do so. Don’t forget the positive reinforcement!
By following these simple tips, helping kids to read will be simple and you and your children will reap the benefits.