In my previous article, I began describing some ideas for parents to help encourage their child to enjoy and appreciate reading. Reading is so important and there are so many ideas that I just could not fit them all into one article. In this article, I will continue to detail some things that parents can do to encourage their children to be successful readers.
Help your child understand that reading can be for a purpose. Sometimes we read to help us find needed information. If your child has a question or a special activity that he/she enjoys, show your child that books can be great resources for information. This will introduce your child to the world of nonfiction books. You can look-up various types of birds seen at a bird feeder with your child. You can help your child find out more about a future vacation spot. If your child is into dinosaurs, you can help him gain even more knowledge about the creatures that once roamed this earth. Almost any topic of interest can be found in a book.
Read to your child. I know that parents hear this one all of the time. However, it is a very crucial element of parenting. Not only can you read to younger children, you can also read to older children. Even adults enjoy being read to by another person. During this time, you can take turns and allow your child to also read to you. Young children do not have to read word for word or even any words at all. They enjoy telling you a story through memory.
Encourage reading by giving books. Books make great gifts. Add a book to your child’s birthday present or Christmas stocking. Give books to other children in the family. Books are great for any age child.