Turn Your Kids into Readers

Gone were the days when kids take so much enjoyment in reading.  Back then, kids would consume anything from fantasy, history, adventure and even romantic novels. Today, technology and gadgets make it difficult to convince kids that reading is good for them; that reading expands their knowledge, improves their vocabulary and reading is an enjoyable recreation.

The growing popularity of social media has taken kids away from books and into the world of internet where they spend hours either chatting or playing with friends and even people they don’t know personally, people based in the other side of the world.  The numerous games played on gadgets and online keep kids busy and obsessed in winning.

It cannot be argued that literacy is one of the highest predictors for the future success of our kids.  Thus, it is unfortunate that more and more kids (especially boys) are falling behind in reading. To address this declining interest of children in books, moms should help by using the following techniques I used to encourage my own children to read and enjoy reading.

Sometimes, we treat our children the way to treat adults.  Adults would normally read books in the comfort of their favorite chair or on the bed just before bedtime.  But do you know that kids are more adventurous than we are?  Some would read under the table or some would read on the floor.  Allow your kids to read in any place they prefer.  This place is a comfortable and fun place where they will enjoy reading a book.

Do not force your kids to read a book; coax them but never demand.  Your kid might find it difficult to read a book, forcing him will further reduce his interest in reading.  Your role is to help your kid go through the process, encouraging him every time to ensure that you will keep his interest.  Be available as he reads a book and ask him to raise his finger or hand if he does not understand a certain word in his book.  Some kids refuse to raise a hand because they feel that they are in school and the classroom atmosphere is not conducive for their reading enjoyment. Reading for fun can be different from reading because you are required to. If that is the case, ask your child to raise a finger or develop your secret signs so you will be able to guide him in his difficulty. If he has difficulty pronouncing a certain word or he stutters, let him read the same passage several times.

 

This brings me to say that though it is time saving to have a reading time with all your kids at the same time, it is still best to have a one-on-one reading session with your kid to boost his enjoyment of reading.  This way you can focus all your attention to him.  The more a child feels well attended, the more he will excel in his reading.

Never compare your kids with their siblings; the same is true when it comes to their reading abilities. Comparison not only makes a child cautious and therefore will not try to read difficult books; it also promotes put-down amongst siblings when you are not around.

Allow your toddlers to hold the book and turn the pages. Holding the book gives them confidence and the power to turn the pages gets them excited. 

Use these basic steps to turn your kids into readers and get them a step up the ladder of success.