Reading books is one of the most important things we
can do. Let us be in no doubt about
this. But times have moved on and in
today’s busy world, too many children do not have stories regularly read to
them. The power of a parent or teacher sitting down and telling a story,
allowing kids to paint pictures in their heads, is a very powerful tool.”And no
matter what anyone says, you can’t argue with the fact that not all children
like to read.
Children learn to love the sound of language before they even notice the existence of printed words on a page. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. When the rhythm and melody of language become a part of a child's life, learning to read will be as natural as learning to walk and talk.
Even after children learn to read by themselves, it's still important for you to read aloud together. By reading stories that are on their interest level, but beyond their reading level, you can stretch young readers' understanding and motivate them to improve their skills.
“Kids
should be allowed to read whatever they enjoy.” Says Author, Neil Gaimon. “ I don’t think there is such a thing as a
bad book for children. Every now and
again there was a fashion for saying that Enid Blyton or RL Stine, was a bad
author, or that comics fostered illiteracy.
It’s tosh. it’s snobbery and it’s
foolishness. Stop them reading what they enjoy, or give them worthy-but-dull
books that you like – the 21st century equivalents of Victorian ‘improving’
literature – you’ll wind up with a generation convinced that reading is uncool
and, worse, unpleasant.”
Remember When You Were Very Young
It will help to consider some things adult readers tend to take for granted. It's easier to be patient with children when we remember how much they don't know. Here are a few concepts we adults know so well that we forget sometimes we ever had to learn them:- There's a difference between words and pictures. Point to the print as you read aloud.
- Words on a page have meaning, and that is what we learn to read.
- Words go across the page from left to right. Follow with your finger as you read.
- Words on a page are made up of letters and are separated by a space.
- Each letter has at least two forms: one for capital letters and and one for small letters.
Read to your child every night, even if it's only a couple of pages. Sometimes it's the last thing your feel like in the evening, but this is probably the most important way you can help your child get into reading. And they love it!
You may go through a period when your child favors one book and wants it read night after night. It is not unusual for children to favor a particular story, and this can be boring for parents. Keep in mind, however, that a favorite story may speak to your child's interests or emotional needs. Be patient. Continue to expose your children to a wealth of books and eventually they will be ready for more stories.
Follow the words with your finger or corner of a bookmark as you read. Over time you can deliberately not say a word and the child says it. Pick easy words, just to check they are following. Or even say the wrong word, and the child will correct you. Then the child can read a sentence on each page, and build up to a paragraph. But remember, you reading to your child is their treat so do not overdo the testing.
Ask your child to read to you at breakfast time. This could be homework reading or their chosen book. Children are fresher in the morning, especially those who may be struggling. I know mornings can be difficult but if you work the reading into your routine at breakfast, your evenings will be less stressed. Take 5 to 10 minutes at the breakfast table to work through the reading. An older sibling could do this, even taking turns with the parent(s).
Have a chart to tick each time the reading is completed. Lots of positive comments and feedback. Smile and be calm. If you are frustrated, image how they feel. Remember it will get easier. Reward the reading at the end of each week.
Variety is the spice of life- find your nearest second-hand book shop or visit car boot sales. A new book every week (which probably won't set you back more than 30p or so) is a wonderful reward, a great trip out, the child can choose and it is all part of the reading experience. Encourage a little of many different types of reading materials as often as possible
A bookmark can make the book you are reading very special.
Read your books and magazines while your children read. Children learn by copying, whether consciously or subconsciously. So you should try to read. Curl up on the sofa with the paper, a magazine or a book and encourage your child to do the same with their book, even just for five or ten minutes. Try to make this part of your routine. This is lovely quiet time.
Cut out interesting articles from the newspaper that would interest your child - funny or serious - football, animals, local people or places they know. Read them out loud, pointing to the words. Pursue any discussion that follows - this is a great vocabulary builder.
. Play word games on the go - in the car, restaurants, waiting rooms... - I spy; word association (first word you think of when I say ‘cat'); make a sentence using each letter in turn of the car registration plate in front
We can help our children find the tools they need to succeed in life. Having access to information through the printed word is an absolute necessity. Knowledge is power, and books are full of it. But reading is more than just a practical tool. Through books we can enrich our minds; we can also relax and enjoy some precious leisure moments.
With your help, as your children begin a lifelong relationship with the printed word, they can grow into adults who read easily and frequently whether for business, knowledge, or pleasure.
