Teaching Your Child To Love Reading

 One of the most difficult things as a parent is instilling good reading and writing habits into children, especially in this age of technology. However, children that love reading are usually associated with having a higher intelligence and better critical thinking skills. It is important to help foster a love of reading in your child.

The best thing to do is start developing these habits early in your child’s development. Numerous studies have shown that children who are exposed to reading from an early age do better in all academic aspects, have better basic speech skills, more logical thinking skills, and enhanced concentration and discipline.

Here are a few more tips on cultivating these all-important reading habits in your kids:

-       Be a good reading role model

Your child won’t be much of a reader if you aren’t! Make sure your child sees you reading often. It doesn’t matter if it is books, newspapers, or magazines. Children often copy what their parents do. Also, teach a respect for books from an early age. Show your children how to properly take care of books, and make sure you follow the same rules.

-       Create reading habits

Set aside some time each day as “reading time.” Allowing your child some space every day to read can make them avid readers for their entire lives. Create a routine where your child reads at the same time, in the same place every day. Make sure you make reading time a priority, and schedule around it.

-       Don’t be pushy!

As much as you want your child to read, you should not force them. This could create the opposite effect. Instead, try to catch their interest by presenting them with a variety of books that they might like. If they don’t want to continue reading a book, allow them the freedom to start another one. Reading time should be fun, not forced. Have patience!

-       Go to the library often

Going to the library is an adventure for kids, and it will ensure that children always have a few books that they would like to read. At the library they will be exposed to other children to read and be given the chance to look at a variety of books that will interest them. A lot of libraries also have programs and events that encourage children to read.

-       Share what you’ve read

Encourage your child to tell you about the books they have read and the stories they heard. This will help you keep track of your child’s reading comprehension and interest levels. You should also share the things that you have read and stories that you may have heard that will interest your child.

Teaching good reading habits can be difficult, and it definitely does not happen in a day. However, by sticking with the guidelines you have set up, you can spark a love of reading in your child.

For more tips, check out: http://www.onlinedegreeprograms.com/blog/2010/100-ways-to-teach-your-kids-to-love-reading/.

Other sources: http://www.earlymoments.com/Promoting-Literacy-and-a-Love-of-Reading/Why-Reading-to-Children-is-Important/

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:Zzlo2GBbNOIJ:www.tufts.edu/vet/pr/resources/benefits_of_reading_assistance_dogs.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgPbgfbqpFbRAYF_962eBsYZCflRIZXEG8F21Yi1W9DVRZ4aYfz2PUYp309yAxUr2f8NTMiiPOUoLuiO4AHo4peMw2Nhxf0wkLRpgqDqCj6lN_OrPwG9k7I6Zltff-VjHVldLw5&sig=AHIEtbSXDLeLvPQixu_Dm3RGArg93pYQeQ

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