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Tips for nurturing children's interest in reading
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This past Friday, August 28th, marked a sad day for children’s television broadcasting as PBS aired the final episode of its popular, long-running show, “Reading Rainbow.” Hosted by LeVar Burton throughout its 26-year run, the show played a huge role in opening children’s eyes to books covering every topic imaginable, as well as fostering a love of reading from a very early age.
Numerous studies have shown the myriad benefits that reading to babies provides, including enhanced communication skills, vocabulary and word comprehension. Begin at an early age – infants are incredibly receptive to bright colors, voice tone and repetition. The most important thing is to read early and read often. As babies begin to fall into more of a routine, end the day with a book. The bedtime story is oftentimes the most precious and valued one-on-one time a parent can spend with a child. The nighttime story is even more exciting when the kids play a role in picking which books they want to read. Make your local public library a fun place to visit on a weekly basis and allow your kids to explore topics and select books from a range of different subject.
Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization is dedicated to helping families and children make reading an integral part of their lives. Its Web site provides a treasure trove of resources for parents and also offers the following additional tips for helping kids develop a love of reading:
· Read with your children at least once every day.
· Respect your child's choices. There's nothing wrong with series fiction if that's what keeps a young reader turning the pages.
· Praise your children's efforts and newly acquired skills.
· Help your child build a personal library. Children's books, new or used, make great gifts and appropriate rewards for reading. Designate a bookcase, shelf or box where your children can keep their books.
· Check up on your children's progress. Listen to them read aloud, read what they write and ask teachers how they're doing in school.
· Go places and do things with your children to build their background knowledge and vocabulary, and to give them a basis for understanding what they read.
· Tell stories. It's a fun way to teach values, pass on family history and build your children's listening and thinking skills.
· Be a reading role model. Let your children see you read, and share some interesting things with them that you have read about in books, newspapers or magazines.
· Continue reading aloud to older children even after they have learned to read by themselves.
· Encourage writing along with reading. Ask children to sign their artwork, add to your shopping list, take messages and make their own books and cards as gifts.
With the plethora of children’s books available, it can be hard to sort through the sheer numbers and select ones you think your child will enjoy. The following links provide good resources for book recommendations by age group:
By helping children develop a love of books from an early age, you are teaching an essential skill and creating a foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment from reading.
Photo: StockXChng
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