Added: 09/09/2006 |
Teach Young Children To Love To ReadYoung children can easily develop what can become a lifelong love of reading if you show them that reading can be fun. Get your child reading on her own by supplying her with age-appropriate books, making reading time fun and engaging, and letting her see you read books of your own. Read on for five tips for instilling a love of reading books in your young children.
1. Supply young children with age-appropriate books.
Even babies will enjoy holding and flipping through the pages of a book. Just be sure any books you give a baby are safe for the inevitable taste test. Books safe for babies are usually soft, even pillow like, and made from plastic so they are easily cleaned. Experts say that from birth until about 3-months-old, babies can’t really see color. They see contrasts, however, so choose books with black-and-white drawings.
For older babies and toddlers, choose books made out of very heavy paper called “board books.” These books have very thick pages that are easier for children to turn than regular paper pages. Some board books are interactive in that children can peel open portions of the pages to reveal more pictures. Some are illustrated with drawings, such as those by children’s author Sandra Boynton. Her books mostly feature her illustrations of animals, and they always rhyme. Other great board books have actual photos of everyday items. Reading these books helps young children learn the names of things like cat, dog, car, truck, etc. They’re great for teaching colors, too.
2. Vary your tone and use funny voices when you read aloud to young children.
Make reading fun, and you’ll have your child reading on his own in no time. Make story time lively and energetic by adding emphasis to certain words, changing the pitch of your voice, and talking in different voices for the different characters in the book. The more engaging you make reading, the better. Plus, the more energy you put into it, the more you’ll enjoy reading that same story for the third time in a row. Young children love repetition, and it’s also how they learn.
3. Ask young children questions as you read to them.
If you’re reading to babies or toddlers, keep your questions simple. Ask them to identify different animals or colors they might already know (“Where is the dog?”). For children who are a little older, ask “What do you think _____ (a character) will do next?”.
4. Take your young children to story time.
Many city libraries and even some museums host story time for young children in which a leader reads a story or two aloud, sings songs and plays games. These get-togethers are often free, and they’re a great place not only to foster a love of reading in your young children, but also to give them a place to interact with kids their age. Call your local library or check out its Web site to find out if it hosts a story time for young children.
5. Let young children see you reading your own books.
Modeling the behavior you want your child to exhibit is always a great teaching method. Get your child reading on her own by demonstrating that reading is such a great way to spend your time, that you choose it over TV and other forms of entertainment.
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