Tips to encourage your child to become a keen reader

We aren't wrong when we suggest that reading is perhaps the noblest habit a child can acquire. A book in hand is so much more than just a book in hand. As Descartes said :

"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries."

All over the world, as technology takes over, people are trying to incorporate reading habits into children by associating reading with fun activities. This year, Sharjah Book Authority organized the Children's Reading Festival in Sharjah where numerous poets, authors, and storytellers made an appearance to keep everyone entertained.  

Although the best Kindergarten Schools Dubai are incorporating in their curriculum activities that could encourage reading habits in children, parents can play a major role in promoting this royal habit.

How to create an avid reader

A few changes in everyday routines can help your child become an avid reader:

• Start reading at an early age

Book reading should become a part of your child’s bedtime routine.   Before the child even reaches kindergarten,  include board and cloth books in their first toys and carry them in your baby bag wherever you go.  

For your child to grow accustomed to reading and to like the idea of it, associate book reading with “cozy time," which should include cuddling too.   This way your child will be able to associate reading with love and care and will always try to find more chances to have “cozy-time”.

• Take them to the library

Visit libraries with your children and make your trip child-focused. Spend the time there to select a browse through the aisles and look for a book that they like. And read it out to them. Always keep track of the books you got from the library and when you return them, take your kids with you.

Since libraries usually have a section for children. Ask your librarian for suggestions regarding children books.

• Don’t pressurize them

Reading becomes a habit for children when they've learned the basic skills.  But if they don't, don’t pressurize them to read. They learn the sound of the words at school. Your book reading sessions should be spent t looking at the pictures and reading out the story.

Pushing them to read when they don’t know how may trigger them to feel under confident and shy because they don't know how to and it doesn't help with their reading habit. 

However, in case your child does find reading out words a little complicated or simply confuses sounds, they may be suffering from a learning disability. Discuss with their teachers and speak to specialists regarding this issue.

• Don’t stop reading

Its essential to not quit reading once they've learned how to do it themselves. Continue reading as his reading skills develop and allows you to communicate to them about values and norms.

 Parents often find that although their child may love reading it's the reading process and the effort that goes into it that he doesn't want to be a part of.  It's important that parents understand that reading may be more laborious for him because of too many words, difficult ones.!

Opt for books which are simple and contain more pictures and have a well-developed plot. Reading books with words he doesn't know, won't really help the reading habit.

• Organize reading groups and activities

 Similar to the reading sessions in kindergarten schools Dubai, cozy reading sessions every week after school may be a perfect chill out time for all the children. Invite their friends over to your place and organsie a reading session for them reading a  book they may find interesting. 

Since they're all the same age, ask them questions about what they understood from the reading. Organize the session every week, and you’ll see more and more children joining in.

Reading groups also provide opportunities for your children to socialize as they develop essential social skills. 

Read Top social skills which are essential for early age learning to know more about essential social skills for early learners.

• Don't break the flow

When reading with your child, take turns when reading out alternate pages. If your child stumbles on a word, supply the word to them but don’t practice breaking the word and asking them to read it out. It is important to keep them excited about their reading session.

If they're not willing to read every other page, don't force them. Remember the main aim is to keep them hooked not to make them lose interest.

• Be a reader yourself

You are your kid's very first role models, and it's important for you to practice what you're preaching to them. If they haven't ever seen you reading, they won't be interested in it either.  

 

One other way to encourage them to read may include passing them your favorite book and telling them that as soon as they learn to read, they can have your favorite book too!

Take away

Reading books is probably one of the finest habits your child can develop as they grow.  Schools can also play a significant role in getting your child to develop reading. Often Kindergarten classes include reading sessions where teachers read out to the kindergartners.

Enroll your child in the best school in Dubai and work with their teachers to create avid and keen readers!


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