Children learn to love the sound of language before they ever
notice the existence of printed words on a page. They coo or
babble when you talk or sing to them, and as they grow, rapidly
pick up the concepts and words they hear used. Reading aloud
with children is an essential component to language development
and is one of the most important activities for preparing them
to succeed as readers.
As parents and caregivers, you can help lay down the foundation
for a love of reading and nurture children’s development.
Here are some things you can do to raise a lifelong reader:
Talk, Sing, and Play
Babies delight in hearing language. Talk as you do simple everyday
things together: recite nursery rhymes, and do finger plays,
games and action songs.
Make Time to Read
Try to read with your child every day at a regularly scheduled
time. If possible, choose a time when you can be relaxed and
not rushed. If you have more than one child, spend time reading
with each child separately, especially if they’re more
than two years apart. On days that are particularly hectic,
bring a few books when you take children along on errands. Taking
time to read to children on a regular basis sends the message
that reading is worthwhile.
One More Time...PLEASE?!
As every adult who cares for children knows, they often ask
to hear the same story again and again. They delight in knowing
what comes next and often learn a favorite book so well that
they can "read" it on their own. That favorite story
may speak to your child’s current interests and emotional
needs, so it’s important for the adults in their lives
to be patient during this phase. Young children are eventually
ready for different stories if they are continuously exposed
to a variety of books.
Slow Down
It’s not just what you read to children, but how you read
that matters. If adults rush through stories or read without
enthusiasm, children quickly lose interest. Try to read with
expression and use different voices for the characters. Reading
at a leisurely pace with occasional pauses gives children time
to take in what they hear, mull it over, and imagine the people,
places, and events. Pose a question or make a remark that will
prompt the child to think, express himself, or relate the story
to his own experiences. It’s also a good idea to follow
children’s cues. Sometimes they are caught up in the story
and don’t want stops and detours along the way.
Choose Books with Care
Reading together often, you learn a lot about the kinds of books
your child likes and understands. Visit the local library and
involve your child in deciding what to bring home. Selecting
books that relate to what’s happening in the child’s
life at that time is a good way to ease transitions and allay
fears about upcoming events. Topics such as potty training,
new siblings, adoption, or moving to a new home are covered
in a variety of books that are written specifically for young
children.
Surround Children with Reading Material
In addition to library books, children also like having some
books of their own that they can read whenever the mood strikes
them. Affordable used books can be found at yard sales, thrift
stores, secondhand book stores, and public library book sales.
Consider subscribing to a good children’s magazine--children
love having something come in the mail just for them!
Don’t Pressure Children About What or When to Read
Nagging children about their reading habits may cause them to
resist reading all-together. Some school-age children choose
to read only comic books or fan magazines after their homework
is completed. Try not to criticize--after all, they are reading.
If a child makes a mistake when reading aloud, don’t interrupt.
If the mistake doesn’t change the meaning, let it go.
Show That You Value Their Efforts
Nothing is more important for fostering readers than showing
genuine enthusiasm. Ask your child to read to you, a younger
child, or a special visitor. Talk with him about what he is
reading and respond positively.
Reproduced
with permission from the National Association for the Education
of Young Children
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