Reading can be one of the most rewarding activities that helps you learn, understand new ideas, grasp concepts, laugh, cry, and smile. The written word is powerful and important, and learning to read is the most important skill for a child to learn. So why are children more interested in television and game consoles when there is a whole world of fantasy and adventure available to them on the shelf? Are you struggling to know how to encourage your child to read? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are some tips that can help your children see that books are fun and not boring or a chore.
do it how i do it
If you’re not a reader, your kids won’t be either. Children pick up a lot of “learned behavior” from their parents and peers, so if they see you reading books often, they’ll want to join in, too. Especially if they see you having fun doing it. Try reading yourself a funny book and laughing out loud so that it generates interest; soon they will come to see what all the fuss is about.
books on display
Most families have shelves at home where their children’s unread books are cluttered, unread and unwanted. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” is very apt here. If your kids have the big flat screen TV in front of a hub at home, they’ll never go near a book. Try to find a way to display the books for them to see. Think about what a bookstore and a library looks like. They don’t have their books stacked on the shelves, hidden away. Their covers are displayed and the staff tries hard to let people see the books, which builds interest.
story time
Depending on how old your children are and how unpleasant they think it is for mom or dad to read to them, reading them a chapter-style book at night is a great way to show them that reading is fun and can be enjoyable. Stick to one chapter a night and you’ll soon be required to read more as the story progresses. By the time they reach their teens, they most likely won’t want to participate, so encourage them to read on their own before they go to sleep. My son hates books, but he likes to read fantasy game books like Steve Jackson’s Fighting Fantasy series. It’s more like a game to him and probably more fun than just reading a book. Little does he know it’s my stealth technique for him to read.
set the stage
People who read regularly can isolate themselves from the world and focus on the text in front of them. You often see people walking to work, engrossed in their book or readers listening to music on their headphones at the same time. We are all different and you must respect this in your children as well. At first, strive to make the area where you are reading as quiet as possible so there are no distractions. A bedroom is the perfect place where you can curl up with a book and it’s usually quiet. Getting kids to read while sitting in front of the TV is an exercise in futility, so finding the right place in the house is key to getting them to read more.
follow his example
As adults, we know what books our children might like. Boys will like fantasy, horror, adventure and comedy and girls may opt for love, romance, friendship and animal stories. However, this is not always the case and you should allow your children to freely choose what they read. Take them to the bookstore and ask them to browse the books. It’s also important to let them have their own choice, but make it a rule that they read the book you’re buying for them. This is where the use of a library can be most beneficial, as unread books can be retrieved.
Encouraging your child to read shouldn’t be a battle. Try to take the pressure off them and let them set the pace. Make sure they get at least 20 minutes of reading a day, no matter what time it is, and try to make this a new rule for them to follow. It won’t be easy, but using the tips I’ve given you, you’ll have a fighting chance.