Children who are read to often go on to perform better at school. But how do you try to encourage a love of reading from an early age? We’ve five top tips on how to get the most out of reading to your child.
You could be in with a chance or winning a set of customised My Nametags stickers plus a personalised book for your child from Lost My Name. See below for details.
Let them choose
Let your child choose the book and they will instantly feel more involved. It’s very likely that your child will choose the same book, time after time. But don’t worry as repetition is good. If you’re fed up with always reading the same book them give your child a choice of two books that you would like to read.
Choose a time of day that suits you and your child. It could be after lunch for preschoolers, bedtime or even bath time! Make sure it’s quiet withouthwhen there are no distractions no distractions e.g. TV, other siblings, mobile phones etc. and a lovely comfortable spot to snuggle up with your child.
Talk about it
Talk about the book and ask questions as you go along to keep your child interested in the story. Get them to guess what will happen next or ask why they think something happened.
Have fun!
Bring stories to life with silly voices and actions. Children love nursery rhymes and songs too. Rhyme and repetition are great for encouraging your child to join in and learn the story. If your child has enjoyed reading a particular book, then find out more about it. Check the internet for fan clubs and the author’s website. Look for games, colouring sheets or competitions.
When you’re out and about read everything you see from adverts to shop signs and bus timetables and basic newspaper headlines. This will help reinforce to your child the value and joy of learning to read.
COMPETITION ALERT!
One lucky reader in each country will win a set of My Nametags stickers plus a personalised book from unique children’s publisher Lost My Name. Each book, worth €26.99, will be based on your child’s name making it completely unique to them. All you have to do is follow My Nametags and Lost My Name on Facebook and tell us why you chose your child’s name. We will pick one winner per country (UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands). Find out more about these lovely books on www.lostmy.name.