Currently, the world is filled with numerous distractions such as screens among other things. As a result, it is advisable to foster a reading culture among your kids to ensure they won’t be carried away by these distractions. As a parent, you should be aware of the advantages and values that reading will bring about in the development of your kids. To ensure your kids are passionate about reading from a tender age, some of these tips will come in handy:
1. Read Together
Reading should become a shared experience. Always spare some time daily to read a book together with your kids. For example, you can read a book together during mealtime or at bedtime. This will ensure your kids are fond of reading and the bond between a parent and a child will grow significantly.
2. Create a Comfortable Reading Space
You can create a small corner and ensure there is a comfortable chair where your kids can retreat when they want to read their favorite books. The space should be stocked with books that are age-appropriate for your kids depending on their interests.
3. Make Trips to the Library Regularly
Visit the local library regularly in the company of your child. Together you can choose new books. The kids should be accorded the privilege of choosing various authors and genres. As a parent or guardian, you should help your kids to choose books that will trigger their curiosity. If there are library events, you can attend them in the company of your kids.
4. Purchase Books from Their Favorite Characters
If you’ve developed a reading culture for some time, it means there are characters that you’ve grown fond of. You can engage your kids and learn more about their favorite characters. You’ll then go ahead and purchase books that are written by these characters as a way of fostering a reading culture among your kids.
5. Become a Reading Role Model
Kids normally mimic the behavior of their parents. When your child notices that you take reading seriously, they will follow suit and spend their time reading too.
6. Introduce Different Reading Materials
Encourage your kids to read different materials instead of focusing only on traditional books. Your kids can read online articles, comic books, and magazines. By doing so, they will be exposed to various writing styles and formats.
7. Encourage Your Kids to Read for Pleasure
Your kids should choose books that they will enjoy reading. The books should not be related to their assignments or school work. By doing so, your kids will gain their own interests and they will be able to read more since they will view such activities as fun instead of an obligation that needs to be fulfilled. You can also introduce some rewards when your kids achieve certain reading milestones.
8. Try to Connect Books to Real-Life Experiences
Assist your child to make a connection between the books they read and some of the occurrences in their life. If your kids read books involving animals, you can plan a visit to the zoo. If they enjoy reading historical novels, you can take them to the museum and other related places. By doing so, you’ll ensure their reading experiences have some relevance.
