Reading opens up a whole new world of imagination and wonder for kids. Not only is it an important and essential life skill, but it also boosts their creativity and improves their vocabulary. If you want to get your kids to drop the tablet and pick up a book, here are 5 ways to encourage your kids to read more.
Getting your child to read more isn’t as easy as parents in the movies make it out to be. A lot of children are exposed to technology such as tablets and T.V and this consumes their interest more than a book. There needs to be a balance between enjoyment and education. After all, that’s what life is about, balance. Kids need to be shown that reading is fun and exciting, and here are 5 ways to encourage reading.
1. Read bedtime stories
Reading to your children frequently will teach them the importance of reading. Kids often like to copy what they see or hear, so make reading one of those things. If you turn reading into a habit, they will grow up to enjoy reading.
You can do this by starting off small and reading bedtime stories. Let them choose the story for the night and make it fun, create sound effects and switch your tone. This shows your kids that reading really can be fun.
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
Garrison Keillor
2. Use technology to your advantage
It’s true, the world is digital, but we can either be for it or against it. Children love playing games on their tablets, so why not download fun picture books and help them read? Time2Read is an educational learning tool we, at Trinityhouse, use. It that takes the chore out of learning and makes it exciting. Not only will it keep them interested, but they will also improve their cognitive skills at the same time.
You can download the Time2Read app on Apple or Google Play store and open up a whole new world of advanced learning. From games and interactive videos to workbooks and different levels, you won’t be complaining about your child getting too much screen time.
3. Create fun reading activities
Reading doesn’t have to come solely from books. Make reading a part of your kids’ lives by creating interactive, fun and exciting activities for both you and your child. You can create an activity booklet, let them read words from a magazine or subtitles on a movie, the options are endless.
This will encourage them to spot more words and say them out loud. It increases their self-esteem which is one of the many advantages of reading.
4. Help them choose (age-appropriate) books
It’s better to help a child read something they love instead of teaching them to love reading. Letting your children choose the type of books or comics they want to read is a sign of their interest and it would be wrong to say no. Of course, the books should be age-appropriate, but when kids choose their own reading book, there is a higher chance of them reading and retaining the information.
5. Show interest and take your time
Encouraging your kids to read starts with you. If you don’t show enthusiasm or interest in your child when they’re reading, they’re less likely to want to continue. Children thrive off praise and recognition and when they say the word right, you should show just how excited and proud you are. This will boost their self-esteem and encourage them to read more.
Here at Trinityhouse, establishing a love of reading is fundamental. Our Time2Read programme is an add-free educational tool filled with exciting stories, educational games and reading resources to help teach your child to read. It assists in ensuring that they are ready for a fruitful and successful future.
What are some of the ways you encourage your child to read? Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear what works for your children.
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