Getting
kids to learn how to enjoy reading can be quite stressful and frustrating for a
parent. Here are some tips to utilize that seem to work well for those
reluctant readers.
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Get your
child a library card.
As soon as he is old enough, let him get his own card. It is very exciting for
kids to have their own card and make their own choices in reading material.
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Don't frown
on his choice of books or reading material.
Let your child make the choice on what to read. It might not be the book you
would have picked out. In fact, it might even be a comic book, the back of a
cereal box or a bubble gum wrapper. As long as your child picks up something
and begins to read, it doesn't really matter.
-
Let your
kids see you reading.
Laugh aloud and show them what it is that you are laughing about. Open the book
to that specific page or picture and point to the words and read them to your
child. Say, "Books can really be funny!"
-
Set aside
time for reading together.
In the beginning, it might only be three times a week, then every other day and
eventually move forward to each day. It almost always works best if you will
take turns reading.
-
Ask
questions about what he just read.
Don't do this with every page. Children know exactly what you are trying to do.
Indeed, it works much better if you make a statement like, "Wait -- I don't
understand why Jordan did not like the large red truck -- do you?"
-
Encourage
reading material on things he likes best.
If your child loves Fairy Tales, shoot for that topic to begin. Alternatively,
let them choose a wide variety of mixed topics, some of which you might was to
roll your eyes -- but just stay calm and smile.
-
Be
Flexible:
If you have a reading time scheduled and he just does not want to do it, go
with the flow. It's important to show your child that reading is fun and is not
a chore, test or quiz. You can always catch up later.
-
Tape the
session.
Nothing is funnier as taping a reading session. Parents can get much farther
with kids if they will let down their guard every once in a while and act
silly. Play back the tape and your child will hear themselves reading and then
hear your part where you acted silly. Maybe by changing your voice.
-
Share
personal stories.
When reading with your child, point out a similar instance in real life. For
example, if a character in the book falls down and drops a glass of milk, you
could say, "That happened to me when I was seven." Or, "That does just like the
time when you fell down after tripping over the dog...remember."
-
Read
everything aloud.
If you will read signs, instructions, even the weather forecast off the TV and
etc., aloud, your child will hear words and make a connection. He will see and
hear how words are powerful, fun and descriptive while building his vocabulary
and enjoyment for reading.
Remember,
don’t punish your child if they are not catching on to the joy of reading as
quickly as you would like for them to -- it’ll all work out as long as you stay
calm.
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