Ways for Promoting Literacy and Love for Reading in Kids.
Are you a parent and you don't know how to promote literacy and love for reading? Has your child ever developed the problem of reading ? Don't worry.
Certainly, promoting literacy and love for reading in kids is a wonderful way to set and prepare them for lifetime of learning and enjoyment. I have prepared various tips that can help your kid to develop love for literacy and reading
1.Start early.
Begin to read to your child as early as from infant,even if the kid doesn't understand the wording,but they can enjoy the sounds and rhythms and tone of your voice. You may wonder how possible is that,but keep on reading for him or her. Just have a positive mind for your kid even if she has not developed fully. By doing so you create love for reading.
2. Create a Reading Routine.
Ensure that you stick to your reading schedule. You should have a daily reading routine such as bedtime stories,this will broaden your baby's mind and makes reading a habit.
3. Be a role model in reading
Children often emulate or copy their parents behavior. You should try and read books, magazines, newspapers infront of your children. They will be motivated and become eager to know how to read on those journals.
Don't ever deny the kid the chance even to look at the pictures inside the books or Newspaper,because if you rebuke them , they will develop negative attitudes towards reading
4. Read A loud.
Ensure that you read a loud to your kids,even after they start reading on their own . Also allow them to read loud so that they can have the following benefits:
- Helps in building vocabulary.
- Improves comprehension and active listening.
- Reduces stress and makes them happy.
- It improves working memory.
5. Build a Home Library
Ensure that your home has a variety of age appropriate reading books.The library should contain books like Sound and Read,My first Book to Read,My first Sound to Read,from pre-school up to University levels. You can also take your kids to community libraries or the National Libraries to read more books.
6. Join a Reading Program.
As a parent you should search and know the community that have reading programs and events for kids. For example the kid can join various clubs for reading in the society . Even some churches have the the programs for children participating in the competition of reading from the scriptures. They are told to open a certain chapter and a verse and the first one to get is being rewarded. This will create curiosity for children to read more.
7. Ask Questions
Give the child time to read a book and then ask the questions. Either you can ask them to narrate what they have read,characters or their favourite parts. Through asking questions makes them to be more keen and develop more concentration when reading a certain story. It also helps them to comprehend and develop critical thinking.
8. Let them choose.
Allow your kid to choose or select books that interest them. Even if it's not what you would like to choose, their enthusiasm for the topic is more important. Do not ever.111 discourage them for the books they have chosen. Just encourage them to read and contemplate what is in the book. Respect their reading choices,even if they want to reread the same books ,just allow them and don't be harsh to them.
9. Limit Screen Time
Most of the kids nowadays are fond of looking at the screen so much.They can mean to watch their favourite movies of various series, either of cartoons and forget to read. You should set strict rules and boundaries when to watch the screen. Be encouraging the kid to read by setting reasonable limits on screen time,so that they have time for books.
10. Make it Fun.
You should employ funny voices and be humorous and comedic. If it's a story of a dog and a cat,just where and be like a dog or a cat and start reading for them. They will never forget about the stories and they will develop the interest of reading the books.
12. Celebrate Achievements. Whenever a baby makes a milestone in reading books,just appreciate them. Give them appraisal awards even by congratulating them or even promise to buy them their favourite toys or items,this will accelerate their reading habits. Positive reinforcement encourages reading . Always avoid small criticism even if they haven't achieved what you needed. By supporting them and encouraging them,gives them hope to work hard.
13. Support their Curiosity.
Most of the kids are curious and they keep on discovering and asking new things about certain areas like .Why am I a boy or a girl,who is God and who created me.You can read for them books and explain to them so that they can easily understand. Take time to look for answers in the books and they will develop and will like reading.
14. Visit Author Events.
If possible look for the authors of the books or attend author's events or books signing to show the real people behind the stories.
Conclusion
Promoting literacy and love for reading starts with you as a parent. Always remember to encourage your child to read by building a home library, supporting their curiosity,reading in their presence.
Remember to share,comment and like. You can also add some tips on building literacy and love for reading.
