As parents, it’s common to hear complaints like, “My child can’t read,” “My child doesn’t want to read,” or “My child hates reading.” If you find yourself in this situation, worry not. Here are some valuable guidelines that would help you instill a love for reading in your child.
- Read Aloud:
If your child struggles with reading sentences fluently, encourage them to repeat after you. You can also introduce them to audiobooks, which can be fantastic learning tools. Contrary to societal expectations of speaking softly, children often learn best from hearing louder sounds. As toddlers, they naturally absorb and mimic sounds they encounter. Similarly, when they read aloud with enthusiasm, they are not only improving their reading skills but also honing their communication skills. - Start Small:
Cultivate the reading habit organically by beginning with small steps. Help your child identify as a regular reader; this will make books an integral part of their life. Start with pictorial or illustrative books that are quick to finish and easy to understand, with relatable contexts. Beginners can explore books on good habits and manners, paving the way for English language learning and other essential social and life skills. - Goal-Oriented Rewards:
Motivate your child to stick to the reading habit by setting goals and offering rewards. Remember the adage, “What is rewarded gets repeated.” Make reading a pleasurable experience by adding a small incentive at the end, whether it’s when they achieve a reading target or simply finish their daily reading. The way an experience ends often leaves a lasting impression. - Role Model:
Children connect more with real-life examples of individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved greatness. Share stories of achievers, who struggled with English language learning but became avid readers besides achieving success in other spheres of life. This would also help, both parent and child, realize any career option for children is not impossible with patience and determination. - Sacred Reading Time:
Allocate a specific time in your child’s schedule to give out a message that reading is important. To make it more enjoyable, pair it with an activity your child loves. Treat that activity as a reward for completing their reading. This approach will pique your child’s interest in reading while fostering a routine. Over a period of time, they would have a mental library that would support their public speaking abilities and they would become confident communicators. - Set an Example:
Children are heavily influenced by their environment. Read together to be a part of their reading journey. Minimize distractions such as gadgets or office work during this time to ensure your child experiences quality reading. This can also serve as an opportunity for bonding, where you can have meaningful conversations besides sending a clear message that uninterrupted reading is important. - Patience:
Finally, remember that all good habits take time to develop, and the learning style and curve of each child varies. Read together, be patient on their journey of being an avid reader. Show them how reading is important. Consistent efforts will definitely yield positive results.
Incorporating these guidelines into your child’s life can transform reading from a chore into a delightful and enriching pastime. Watch as your child not only becomes a proficient reader but also develops a lifelong love for books and learning.
