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As grown adults, most of us know the pleasures and sense of comfort that reading can bring. Whether you prefer to spend your free time curling up on the bed with a page-turner, relaxing in nature with a magazine, or rereading your favorite book, again and again, you’re probably well aware that reading can be pure happiness.
However, for a child, who is taking his first steps and is still learning to write and read, there will be challenging times when reading becomes a real headache. There is a lot to learn and many stages to pass before children dive in and get lost in a story they read without extra effort. And the brainpower required for reading can be exhausting, especially at the end of a tiring school day. As such, parents who try their best to help their kids’ reading sometimes face the difficult problem of turning the “daily routine” into a fun and interesting activity.
That’s why, if we want our children to hold on and become skillful readers, we should show them that reading is a great source of fun and entertainment. Here are some useful tips you can consider for engaging unenthusiastic readers and putting some fun into the process for those times when they are struggling. So, let’s dive in.
#1 Make an Early Start
In this case, starting early is the key to success. Even when your child is only learning to speak, there are many ways to slowly bring them to the book world, for example, by introducing them to picture books. From the very moment they start showing an interest in their surroundings, you can accompany them and read aloud, encouraging them to appreciate the pictures and enjoy the book. As they grow up, always make sure to get them books matching their current age. Also, listen to them and take into account their preferences, whether they like superhero series, comics, or detectives, and make sure the books will attract them.
Books are a great alternative to always giving them a smartphone or turning on a cartoon. These can be overstimulating and spoil books for them.
#2 Add Variety
From time to time, kids get a bit stuck on a certain book, generally, one that’s a bit too difficult for them at the moment. In such cases, it’s essential to let them move on to something different.
Make sure they always have something new to read. You can keep track of the newly published children’s books and add some variety to their library. Try to include enough classic and contemporary authors to develop your child’s reading level efficiently. This ensures that every time children need something to do, various books are available for reading.
Also, frequently buying or borrowing books is also a good idea. You can read them not only at home but also take the books with you when traveling, so children can pick up their favorite books when bored rather than ask for your smartphone.
#3 Let The Child Pick Some of Their Own Books
It is essential to allow children to choose their own books. This alone makes reading a voluntary and unique hobby rather than an assignment you have been given. Letting them pick their own books doesn’t change the fact that you should get various books of diverse genres for them. However, along with your chosen books and categories, also buy one according to their likes.
You don’t need to be disappointed if a child enjoys such types of books opposite to your preferences or the ones not recommended by the school or instructors. It’s because they are still young, and their likes and tastes are gradually evolving. The vital thing here is that they enjoy the reading process and want to try some new genres. This applies to kids of all ages.
#4 Take Children to Various Literary Events
In order to keep children interested in reading and avoid making it a boring and repetitive process, it’s recommended to add some new colors and emotions to it. In almost any city, you can find many various children’s book fairs, book clubs, and interactive reading sessions you can join.
Taking your child to such events can help to immerse them in a literary atmosphere. However, if you have a hard time finding one around where you live, you can try to organize some by yourself.
#5 Discuss Books With Your Children As An Equal equal
During your journey of making the reading process a fun and interesting activity, you should remember not to belittle your child’s passion. Why is it so important? Because every time you show interest in their reading, you will automatically validate the hobby. Most parents have this habit of talking down to their children or patronizing them. However, you need to avoid this if you don’t want your child to end up disliking reading.
Instead, talk and discuss all the details with them as an equal. No matter how simple and basic the plot of the book is, make sure to listen to what your children want to say about it and ask them various questions about what they would do in place of the character or how they feel. You can also try to draw comparisons and make connections between the books they are reading and real life.
#6 Set a Good Example
In general, if you are a devoted reader, you won’t have any difficulty raising a good reader. In most cases, parents are role models for their children, and they like to imitate all their actions. Be it the way of talking, walking, or eating, most kids try to behave in a similar way. So by simply observing that books are an indispensable and important part of your life, your children will start to respect and love reading too.
Whenever you can, read a book around them and tell them about the plot. But if you aren’t a habitual reader, you can try to build up your own reading habit along with your child’s.
Some Final Thoughts
Reading, in general, not only gives children confidence and broadens their mindset but also makes their personality more appealing and positive. Regular reading helps them train their brain and clearly present their thoughts and opinions in front of others. What’s more, their imagination and logic improve manifold, enabling them to have a better view of things in their surroundings and store extensive knowledge in their brain.
So, finding the right ways to cultivate reading from childhood is the key to raising knowledgeable, passionate, and confident individuals.
