Does your child dislike reading? Are you struggling to encourage them to read?!
Reading is one of the most valuable skills your child can develop. It helps to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, as well as fostering imagination and creativity.
So if you’re looking at ways to motivate your child to read, here are some tips to help you get started:
It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Even babies can benefit from hearing stories and looking at pictures. As your child grows older, make sure to provide them with age-appropriate books that they will enjoy. Doing so can help improve their language development, emotional development and academic performance.
Children often learn by example, so make sure you are modelling good reading habits. Let your child see you reading books, newspapers, and magazines. When your child sees you reading, they are more likely to develop an interest in reading themselves.
Establishing a regular reading routine can help make reading a natural and enjoyable habit for your child. They will come to expect and look forward to reading time, which can make it easier to incorporate reading into their lives as they grow older. Set aside time each day for your child to read, either independently or with you. It could be before bed, during breakfast, or any other time that works for your family.
Make reading a comfortable and inviting experience for your child. Create a cosy reading nook with pillows, blankets, and comfortable seating. This can help make reading a relaxing and enjoyable activity. A quiet reading environment can also help your child focus on the book and the story, which helps improve their reading comprehension and their ability to concentrate.
Children will often gravitate towards fiction books, but don’t stop there! There are many other genres to choose from: joke books, cookbooks, magazines, comics, and biographies are all great non-fiction possibilities. Presenting your child with a variety of reading materials can help keep their interest and keep them engaged with their reading.
Reading aloud to your child can help them develop their listening skills and build their reading comprehension. It’s also a great way to bond with your child and share the joy of reading together. Why not try adding funny voices to bring characters to life?
Encourage your child to engage with the books by asking them questions and having discussions about the stories and characters. Start by discussing the front cover and talking about what the book could be about, then talk about what your child felt about the book and something new they learned. This can help build their critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the book.
For more information about Children’s Book Week and activities you can do to encourage your child to read more, take a look at these online resources.
