Four Ways to Teach Kids the Love for Reading
September 08, 2019
The advent of digital gadgets and the availability of access to the worldwide web have created a revolution in all aspects of society. One of the most challenging and promising effects of this event is the paradigm shift on the way people exchange, process, and view information. Information can now be accessed via any platform as long as there is a connection to the web. But the most appalling effect of this change is the shift in people’s reading habits and perception. The reality that even with the present advancements in technology, the basic skill of reading can never be replaced since all of these data can only become relevant if it is read and digested properly by the reader.
Here are some ways on how you can develop the love for reading on your kids.
Start early
The best time to develop the habit is when your kids are still young. Make it as a part of your kids’ daily routine. Assign time in a day when you can sit down with them and read together. It can be reading their favorite storybook, the daily paper, and even their textbooks. Start them early. Start them young.
Keeping books within children’s reach
Your kids’ reading habit can be amplified if they have access to their favorite books and reading materials. You may assign a basket or box situated on a strategic place in the house, probably the living room or their respective bedrooms. If the books are stacked in a shelf, you may leave their books on the lower portion or arranged at their eye level to find their longing to read.
Choose appropriate books
Your kid’s reading trove should be based on his age, level, and interest. Habit forming is based on repetition of certain action. For kids, repeating a particular action can make them lose interest. Now, to develop their reading habit, reading materials should pique their interest and curiosity. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with reading materials that can fuel their need to know more and develop their interest further. For example, if your kids love Harry Potter books, at some point you may include in their trove readings that fall under the same genre like Percy Jackson series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Geronimo Stilton, to name a few.
Probe to test for comprehension
Exposing your kids to interesting reading materials and developing the habit is not enough to fully develop the skill and interest in reading. One of the most crucial things is to allow them to express their thoughts on the things that they have read. This is where probing comes into play. Make it a point to discuss what they have read or should allow them to tell the story in their own words. You may do this over dinner, during casual conversations, or even before sleeping. In this way, your kids can appreciate what they have learned on their own while reading.
In line with the above-mentioned tips, as parents, we have to consider the best sources of books that offer a wide array of genres for all ages. Aside from that, we should keep in mind the affordability of selections. One of the best fairs to-go-to when it comes to books is the Manila International Book Fair, the longest-running book fair in the country to date. It is a much-awaited event where foreign and local publishers, distributors, sellers, agents, authors, writers, students, talents, educators, and literally people from all walks of life collaborate, exchange ideas, and share experiences and love for books and reading. Huge discounts and free seminars and workshops are given to patrons which makes it not just an avenue to purchase books but to learn so much as well.
Save the date! #MIBF40 will be held on September 11 to 15, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Philippines. See you there!
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| Courtesy: Manila International Book Fair Facebook Page |
Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com
