Reading Changes You!
You can enter a mystical realm through a book without moving a muscle. If there is anything that babies magically connect with after their parents, it is a book. They enjoy reading the rhymes aloud, turning the pages to see the story unfold, and banging the book to show appreciation. Books can instill confidence and independence in a child. Let’s look at how you can introduce and encourage your child to the enchanted world of books.
Begin as early.
We should encourage young children to read early, even if they only see pictures or hear stories read aloud to them. It increases their brain power and communication skills, and reading to your child from birth gives you another opportunity to strengthen your relationship with them.
Some picture books are designed specifically for newborns; look for those and start having fun. You can also read our post about the different types of picture books.
Set aside a time.
Setting aside a specific time is one method for developing any habit. Bedtime is usually the best time for reading, but as long as it is set, it can work at any time, depending on the parents’ availability. Making reading a regular part of your child’s daily schedule, just like playtime, is essential for fostering a love of books and reading in your child.
Create a cozy nook.
Make a nice, comfortable area with a beautiful selection of books for each reading session. Create an inviting reading space with comfortable furniture and warm lighting. This will contribute to making reading enjoyable.
Read as a family.
Reading with your child can be a fantastic way for you and your child to spend quality time together while sharing your love of books. You can alternate between reading different sections of a book and discussing it together, or you can read the same book and discuss it together. For example, you could read your childhood favorites and talk about who read them to you and how you felt about them.
Encourage questions.
Books give youngsters more questions to ponder, making reading time more engaging and promoting critical thinking skills. Let your child, for instance, guess what will happen next in the story and ask them questions about what they read.
Combine an activity.
Choose an activity related to the topic based on the child’s age and the type of book you are reading. For example, it could draw or trace favorite characters, retell the story in their own words, act out scenes, or select unfamiliar words to learn. You can also pick interactive books for young children, such as books with pop-up pages, touch-and-feel books, and books with sounds.
Nurture the freedom to choose.
While you can select books for babies as they grow, allow them to choose books, they want to read. It increases their interest in developing reading habits by giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility for finishing their book. This also encourages them to learn more about their hobbies and interests.
Appreciate reading accomplishments.
No matter how small, acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments. Reward them for finishing a book or reading a particular number of books. This will boost their confidence and drive them to read more. You can also keep a journal, make colorful pages for each book you read, and write your appreciation. As much as it inspires additional reading, this will make a wonderful memento when they are older.
Reading can be a rewarding hobby, but make sure there are plenty of books nearby and encourage your child to visit the library regularly. Also, if you are looking for picture books, remember to check our book reviews.
Take advantage of signing up for our newsletter (We promise to send only one email a month, and you can unsubscribe anytime). Have a picture book? Send it to us so we may review it. Remember to read our book reviews and browse our resources section.