It’s never too late to start a new routine that gets your child to read. Here are 3 of my favorites:
Chose Relatable Books– If your child loves books about trucks, dinosaurs and horses, find texts that relate to those topics. Children also love reading books about the things that are happening in their lives. For example, if your child is going to a new school, loves visiting the supermarket, or has a sibling on the way, find books that tackle those topics, so that your child develops personal connections.
Create Reading Routines– Set routines around books and stick to them. For example, pick a day of the week to visit the library or bookstore, so that your child will have opportunities to pick out new books to read. Also, set time aside every day to read with your child. When reading is integrated into a daily schedule, it sends a message that reading is valued and your child will develop a habit of reading for pleasure. When you take the time to read with your child, they learn new vocabulary, reading strategies, author style (from a series or books from the same author), and most importantly a love of reading. Make the time spent reading with your child even more exciting by adding funny voices, acting out parts, or by creating a cozy reading nook.
Let Your Wiggle Worms Move– If you have a young pre-schooler or toddler, they need opportunities to move! Sit on the floor with your child while they are playing and just start reading a book. Chances are they will periodically come over to check out the book, or finish a phrase from a book they’ve read a million times. Trust me, they really are listening, even if they are dancing or running in circles around the couch.
What are some of your favorite reading tips?