Often parents send their children to primary school and expect their children to just learn to read. Some are lucky as junior takes to reading books like a duck to water. For some though, problems may arise, discovering that junior isn't very keen on books and tunes out as soon as the teacher opens a book.
This is often where the problems begin as a child whose reading problems aren't solved before they enter school, often lags behind the others all throughout the primary years at the least, or at the most is totally turned off by reading all throughout their lives.
But what if we could help ensure that our child doesn't have reading problems even before school? Here are some tips that parents can do at home to encourage a reading friendly environment for their children.
Expose Your Children To Books
Weekly visits to the public libraries can help. As soon as the child perceives these weekly visits to libraries as enjoyable, the more positive his attitude toward books. Read To Your Child
As soon as your child can sit on your lap, start reading books to them. Even if you think your child will not understand what you're saying, the rhythm, closeness and enjoyment of hearing your voice signals a very positive message towards the written word. Read Regularly To Your Child
Bedtime stories score as one of the highest pleasurable moments in a child's life. Many children look forward to this special time at night. Read A Lot Yourself
If junior sees mom or dad reading regularly and taking pleasure in this act, then he will follow suitMake Games Out of Reading
When you go to the supermarket and junior is with you, read out labels aloud. Junior will see that written words are important not only in books but everywhere else. Reading road signs aloud, or signboards aloud when you are with your toddler also helps. As long as children can see the importance of the written word is to mom and dad the more positive his attitude to learn to read. Encourage Your Child To Look Through Books Himself
Children when left alone to their own devices often are found sitting down with a book on his lap and pretending to read. Giving them time alone to enjoy the book, looking at pictures or even smelling the book encourages reading. Reading is a sensual experience and the more stimulation a child gets through his senses the better. Bring The Books Down To Your Child's Level
When possible make books accessible to your child. Give your child a shelf filled with books. Allow them the time and space to discover books on their own. Expose Your Child to Music
Music helps orient the child towards reading. There are a wide variety of books for children that come with musical CD's with songs or narratives. Even the very young children will take the cue from mom or dad and soon learn to take a CD, turn the player on and sit down and enjoy the book and its pictures. Give Books as Gifts and Special Presents
Children love getting books for birthdays and special occasions. One that he can call his very own would be more meaningful to him. Play Word Games with Your Children
Children love to repeat what you say. Introduce your child to simple poems or songs. Any child enjoys simple rhymes and songs. The more the child speaks the faster his ability to grasp the written word.
