Reading helps a child get to know words, language, and sounds. It is a great way to develop early literacy skills, confidence, and vocabulary. Moreover, children who read frequently are more emotionally stable and composed. Do you also want your child to become a good reader? If so, here are some simple tips to help raise a good reader at home.
Tips for Developing Reading Habits in Children
Make it a Daily Habit
Do you know that you can instill good reading habits in your child from the day he or she is born? The best way to do it is by making reading a daily habit. For example, share one colorful and interesting book with your baby before bedtime.
Of course, you can choose the matter as per your child’s age. But experts recommend starting with vibrant ones. It will help develop curiosity in the mind of the child. Let them read at least two to four pages initially, and you can increase the number of pages over time.
Make Reading Enjoyable
You can find thousands of books in the market that are customized for different age groups. Pick pop-ups or other creatively published books to make reading enjoyable for your child. To make it more interesting, prefer reading in front of your child. Using appropriate voice modulation techniques is a great way to develop curiosity in children’s minds.
This process can also help develop good practical punctuation skills in your child. The crux is that if you are excited about reading, your child will automatically develop this habit soon. First, however, you must know how to transfer this excitement to your child.
Create a Cozy Reading Space
It is another interesting way to develop good reading habits in your children. Create a separate, comfortable reading space for your child. A good reading space includes a bookshelf, a cozy couch, and ample lighting. You can also use your creativity to make this room more interesting for the child. For instance:
- Planning outdoor reading space
- Hanging colorful curtains
- Creating hideouts like canopies and teepees
- Installing fairy lights for night reading sessions
Take Help from Online Tutor
Online teachers can also play a vital role in teaching good reading habits in your child. How? They can assign reading assignments to the students daily. Then, a quick recall session will help determine the child’s engagement and grasping level the next day. After all, it is what an English tutor does.
This process can help students revise crucial chapters and understand the core concepts better. Remember, you can also use academic books to develop good reading habits in your children. Then, once the academic session ends, you can switch to fictional books to continue the habit.
Plan Library Trips
Experts believe libraries can significantly help introduce reading habits and encourage personal growth. You see, libraries are a minefield of knowledge. They provide access to endless, enjoyable, and information-rich content. This reading material can play a vital role in developing brilliant reading habits in your child and improving their skills.
Colorful visual book displays and bulletin boards add to the creativity of the space. You can plan weekly library trips with your child to show him the beautiful world of books. Ensure you pick libraries that have story hours and literacy programs for children.
Let your Child take the Lead
Reading is an intensive activity. So, let your child take the lead and decide what he wants to read. As a parent, you should introduce your child to the world of books or content apt for their age bracket. Besides, let your child stroll through the collection and decide for himself. It is a great way to develop reading habits in children.
Forcing them to read a particular genre may not yield desired results. Instead, experts recommend narrowing down the choices by subtly showing them the right book section to choose from. This freedom of selection will have a positive impact on the child.
Be a Reading Role Model
Remember, children imitate their parents, especially mothers, in many things. So, for developing reading habits in children, you’ve to be a reading role model for him. Once a day, switch off the TV, keep your gadgets aside, and make time for reading books. Let your child observe this habit of yours. Refer to this time as “reading moments.”
You can keep this process simple, like reading recipes, grocery lists, or road signs. But you will surely see a significant change in him in the next few days. Apart from reading skills, this process will also help develop self-discipline and routine in your child’s life.
Re-Reading is a Good Habit
Ask your child to re-read his favorite books or novels. Trust us; your child will love it. Children like to identify things they missed the first time. In addition, re-reading helps strengthen their vocabulary, sense of expression, and story connection.
At the same time, introduce other books written by the same author under the same genre. Then, gradually, ask your child to read his favorite scenes to you. You can also teach him the art of voice modulation in this process. Such baby steps can help make your child a good reader one day.
Top Beginner-Friendly Books
Here are the top five interactive and fun beginner friendly books for developing reading habits in children:
Clara and Clem in Outer Space – Ethan Long
Cat Traps – Molly Coxe
Jungle Animals – Camilla Gresh
Otis’s Busy Day – Loren Long
The Rock from the Sky – Jon Klassen
Here’s the Take!
You may not be a professional teacher, but a mother is every child’s first teacher. Your child will follow in your footsteps in the initial years of development. So, ensure you display your best to make him his best.
Good reading habits will help your child in every phase of life. You can also widen your knowledge by reading more about how to read. Transfer this information to your children and give them wings to fly freely in the universe of books and knowledge.