If you can make reading fun for your child, something amazing will happen. Your little one will search for books, eager to learn and practice new skills. Children, especially younger ones, learn in a variety of styles, and understanding them will allow you to appeal to your little one’s unique approach. Changing the setting by reading in different places is another effective way to get young readers more engaged. Ultimately, when parents and caregivers have a passion for reading, children will emulate that enthusiasm and come to love it themselves.
Include a variety of learning styles
The term “learning styles” refers to a set of theories that explain the different ways we learn. While some people learn better by listening to the material, others do better by watching it. Visual learners respond best to drawings, shapes, colors, and images. Auditory learners respond to rhythm, tonality of voice, rhyming, and reading aloud. Kinesthetic or tactile learners enjoy incorporating large objects, movements, and gestures. Appealing to a variety of learning styles is especially helpful for young readers, since children tend to use all three modes in their early years. If you notice that your child responds best to a specific style, steer your work in that direction while still including the other approaches.
Change settings
Experts have found field trips to be especially beneficial for young readers. Take a book to the park and encourage your son or daughter to bring reading materials when visiting relatives. Visit the library, let your child select a book, and spend time in the reading room. Check local bookstores for children’s events and story times. Visit a local farm or zoo and bring along a book related to the theme of your trip. The unknown stimuli that will surround your child on these adventures help to activate their impressionable and anxious minds and make the experience memorable. As a reward or special treat, invite your child to select a favorite spot for story time that day.
enjoy reading to yourself
The children of voracious readers are much more likely to become avid readers. Children imitate their caregivers, and if they see that you love to read, they will enjoy finding common ground with you. If you notice your child reading, select a book of your own and join him or her. If your son or daughter is stuck with the TV or a video game, grab a book and invite him or her to join you for a few minutes. Take the time to stop and share what you are reading with others. If parents and caregivers consider reading as a daily habit, almost as important as eating and sleeping, it will also become a priority for children.
Many parents struggle to find appropriate reading material for their children. An effective way to ensure a constant supply of age-appropriate reading materials is to select a published series of reading books or other materials designed specifically to help children develop reading skills. Many of these shows offer multiple reader volumes that feature familiar characters and continuing stories. Selecting a phonics-based reading program will ensure that children develop good reading and comprehension skills. Mix skill-building readers with other types of reading material (age-appropriate magazines, newspapers, or graphic novels) to keep things interesting. With just a little effort, you can make reading fun and enjoyable for your children and help them develop important early literacy skills.