When is the perfect time to start your children to get into a habit of reading? The answer – there is no perfect time for this. Start as early as possible. Babies may not be able to speak, but by reading to them - the action has been "stored" into their mind as a fun activity.
I remembered that reading was always one of the hobbies for many children years ago. However, the reading culture is slowly dying with the existence of televisions and computers, also known as the Idiot Boxes. Children need to be encouraged and motivated to get into the reading habit.
Here are some ways to boost your child's interest in reading:
Set Examples
Children treat their parents as role models. If you wish to imbibe a certain habit in your child, the most practical way to achieve this goal is to inculcate the habit within yourself. If you project on your child that reading is one of your favorite and most fun activities, then your child is likely to try it out on his own. This might take some time but it works.
Books as Special Presents
Presenting a good informative book to your child on a special occasion will generate excitement and curiosity in your child's mind, If your child absolutely despises reading, then pick a book on the subject that he loves the most. For instance, if your child loves baseball, then you can present him with a book about cartoons that he watches on television, or sports that he enjoys.
Get Ideas from Books to Start a Hobby
Books are an excellent way to help children develop their interest in a new extracurricular activity such as gardening. Get together with your little one and try out some great gardening tips from a self-help gardening book. Ask for your children's help every now and then, encouraging them to come up with their own ideas based on what they have read in a particular book.
Bedtime Stories
This is my all-time favourite. I love reading before going to sleep. And when I became a parent, I started reading to my children during bedtime. Reading out bedtime stories has been a major part of a parent-child relationship. Rekindle this activity by reading together with your children.
This activity will drive away any intimidating fears or repulsion from reading activities that your child might have picked up at school over the recent years.
Book Club / Story Reading
Encourage your child to join a book club. Or take them to story reading time which are usually organized by bookstores or libraries. Interacting with other children and sharing their reading interests will boost your children's social skills, confidence, and encourage him to make new friends. You can enlist your child in a school-based book club or perhaps, join other parents and put up an online bookclub.
Online Reading Classes
If you want someone to focus on your child's reading habits, then hire an online reading tutor who can read with and help your child to develop good reading skills. Getting an online tutor is advisable to busy moms who want to supervise their child's learning, as an online tutor can accommodate to your tight schedule. You are also assured that your child has a safe and comfortable learning environment, as the tutoring can be done in your own home, as long as you have an internet connection.
Cultivate the reading habit into your children.
"BOOKS, ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE BRAIN"
