Crafty Creations by M.A.

“Few children learn to love books by themselves.  Someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word: someone has to show them the way.”  -Orville Prescott

How do you help your children to develop a love of reading?

Books can help to open up new worlds for children and help to develop their imaginations.  If you do not have the funds to travel around the world and experience different cultures or even to travel around your own country and experience different environments, you can still give this opportunity to your children through books which can be borrowed from the library for free!

According to The Children’s Reading Foundation website “children whose parents read with them learn to read well and are typically proficient readers by third grade.”  The Children’s Reading Foundation has some excellent information and resources at the following website:  www.readingfoundation.org

Here are some ways that you can help your kids become active readers:

1. Set a specific time aside to read.
2. Have a reading nook.  Some place that is comfortable and quiet.
3. Read together.  Make it a family event and make sure to turn off your electronics and remove any distractions.
4. Make reading time an active activity.  Ask questions to the listeners about the story, how they feel, or what they think the story may be about.  Also, don’t forget to read with expression and funny voices are always a hit in my house!
5. Make sure there are plenty of reading materials.  We have book shelves in all of our bedrooms, the office, and the living room.  This helps us to always be able to find a good book.  Also, if the cost of new books is a problem make sure to check out your local library for borrowing books for free.  Also, you can start a book swap with people in your community and don’t forget to watch out for events that you can go to and receive free books to keep!
6. Make sure you set an example by reading yourself.  Model the actions you want your child to develop.
7. Have your older children read aloud to your younger children.  This is great practice for the older children but also the younger children who look up to their big brother or sister will see that reading is fun and will be more likely to pick up a book on their own.
8. Use the holidays as an excuse to try new books.  On President’s Day, have your child choose a president that they would like to learn more about.  On the last day of school, have your child choose a book about summer or vacations.  The options are unlimited!
9. Always have your child’s favorite books around the house.  When my son was starting to learn to read, he loved cars and trucks.  In order to keep his attention on the books, I made sure to always have some of his favorite books about cars on hand.
10. Let your child explore the children’s department in the library and book store.  You may be surprised by the books that your child picks out.  Also, they may be more inclined to read the books if they are active participants in choosing their reading material instead of you making the choices for them.