A favorite activity in my house is reading. Amidst the tv, computer, video games, and electronic toys, my kids still enjoy sitting down with a good book. Books inspire imagination and spark creativity. Reading is one of my favorite things and I am happy my children love to read as well. Developing a love for reading starts at a very early age. Reading develops a curiosity for learning that will serve your child well as she embarks on her education.
My children normally can read simple words in their preschool years. The younger children also do narration and copywork like her older brother and sister. If have found a wonderful way to encourage reading among my children was sharing books with their younger siblings. The older child enjoys being the reader, sharing her thoughts and let’s be honest being “in charge” for reading time. The younger child loves the interaction with her older sister. She also loves stealing the book and playing the “reader” as well. The younger child learns new words daily as she takes little afternoon book adventures alongside her favorite sister. This is a bond that will last a lifetime as sisters and lovers of reading.
If you have a child who dislikes reading, don’t worry. My oldest daughter hated to read. To encourage her I signed her up for a program at our local library to read to assistance dogs. Through that program she developed her reading and comprehension skills in a nonjudgmental or critical environment. The dog she read to did not point out her mistakes or ask her questions to test her comprehension after every page. Younger siblings also are not judgmental and sometimes provide a better fit because they respond with more enthusiasm then a family pet. However, if you have a family pet and not a younger sibling then perhaps your family pet would like to hear a story. I used to read to my cat when I was growing up. A child will learn to enjoy reading if she is given times when she can freely read without being corrected.