Raising A Reader
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.
Additional Resources
