Reading has become a rare endeavor. Nowadays, kids would rather play video games or spend hours surfing the web on their new tablets rather than relax with a good book in their hands. Like it or not, kids don’t read because this activity is not supported enough by the parents. A lot of these parents don’t pay enough attention to their little ones; they ignore them, or buy them everything they want just to keep them quiet. This approach is not exactly the smartest way of raising a bookworm child. Getting a toddler to read can be challenging, and it is mostly about setting an example.
The More Interested Kids Become in Reading, the Better Readers they Become
There are so many kids out there who fancy reading. They like the activity and they would do it more often. Sadly, some schools don’t act on this; they don’t realize that the more books kids read the better they become at reading. Why would principals and teachers force a child to undergo an activity that the child doesn’t like, such as football or basketball?
One of the easiest ways of getting kids into reading is to offer them books that they can actually enjoy. These should be fun, age-appropriate and interesting. Most kids say “no” to reading because they may not like the genre. As a parent, you should commit to helping your kid find a hobby or a passion; and if that happens to be reading, it’s even better. Freedom of choice is fundamental in getting kids excited and motivated to read books. Comics, vampire sagas, sports books, manga, and others can be excellent choices for your kid.
Use Technology to Make Kids Develop a Passion for Reading
Should parents allow their kids to read books on e-tablets and iPads? Absolutely; in fact, avoiding advanced technology is almost impossible. When they’re little children are curious. They want to touch and try everything. Allowing them to explore a virtual library and start reading an e-book they actually enjoy is an excellent way of developing a passion for reading, or better yet, an interest in a certain genre. Here is a list of tablets that are kid friendly.
Where Should Parents Look for Books that Kids Might Enjoy?
The right books could make your little one crazy about reading. GuysRead.com, ReadKiddoRead.com, and Uplifting Families are great websites you should check out. As for actual bookstores and libraries, you must be both a guide and a role model for your kids to develop a passion for reading. Take them on a shopping spree; buy books for yourself and they will want one for them too.
Parents are not the only role models a kid should have. Brothers, sisters and grandparents can also teach them a lot of interesting things about reading too. By showing that you have respect for books, they will grow up more aware of their importance. Many preschoolers don’t value the books they get in class; and they usually don’t read what their teachers recommend. This happens because schools “force” students to read. When kids are compelled to do something it’s almost impossible for them to feel any joy or pleasure in completely that task.
Fanatic Readers are Made not Born
Do you want your kid to love reading bestselling books? Apart from being extremely educational, this activity can also be fun. But it is important for parents and teachers to instill a passion for reading. First of all, your living room should be properly decorated with age-appropriate books. Add some in your kid’s room too. Every night before bedtime, you could read a short story to your child.
Use tricks to grab their attention. For example you could start with an adventure story; read them half of the story and save the other half for the next day. This will make the kids extremely curious, and they’ll impatiently wait for the next day to come and find how the end of that story.
Finding the right books for kids is now easier than ever. Whether you choose to buy them from a bookstore or download them from the web, it’s all about personal choice and budget. Some kids may find paper books catchier and more interesting whilst others would rather read from a tablet or electronic device. Regardless, make sure that you become a part of the activity. Participate in the reading process and eventually your kids will want to read on their own.
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