Reading is one of the cornerstones of education and if you can encourage your child to read from an early age it will most certainly benefit them. Statistic shows that children who are read to by their parents will do better at school. Read our top five tips on how to help your child love reading and books.
Over the years I have spoken to many educational experts and the one thing that they all agree on is that it is so important to read regularly to your child. They will love to hear you reading and if you enjoy it they will too. Make a time that suits you best. Typically, bedtime is a good moment but some parents prefer afternoons snuggled on the sofa for pre-schoolers. Others say they read to their children while they are in the bath while audio tapes on car journeys are a good chance to listen to a story.
Children quite often love to hear the same story over and over again. I remember trying to get one of my children to agree to ‘read’ another book together however it never quite worked as he would always gravitate to the same one! Your child will feel more involved if they can choose their own book and don’t worry if it is the same one as repetition is good. I would often choose one book and let my child choose another book, that way we both got a bit of variety.
Keep your child interested in the story by talking about it as you go along. Ask them questions about the characters and what they think will happen next. Also, why they think something has happened. You will keep them involved and connected to the story.
Children love nothing more than if you’re able to add character to the story with funny voices and actions. I would always sing certain nursery rhymes when my children were younger and they loved to join in. If your child loves a certain fairy tale or character book then find out more about it. Look out for the author’s website, games or colouring sheets.
Don’t forget to show your child how important (and fun) it is to be able to read by reading things out loud when you are out and about. Read anything from shop names to adverts on buses and basic magazine or newspaper headlines.
