How to Encourage Your Child to Read
Teaching your child to enjoy reading is one of the most important things you can do as a parent and a wonderful way to invest your time and energy. We have a few suggestions on how to go about it.
- Read aloud. One of the most effective ways to encourage a child to read is to read aloud to them. Reading aloud to your child for just twenty minutes a day can go a long way to developing a lifelong reader. As they get older, you can both read aloud together.
- Keep books on hand. Having books, magazines and other reading materials around your home will help set a good example for children and allow them to view these items as part of daily life. Starting a home library for your child is also a great idea. Try to choose extra durable books for infants and toddlers, and let your children see you reading when possible.
- Let your child choose. Take a trip to the library or book store and allow your child to pick what they would like to read. This will let them exercise their own independence and decision making skills and get them more excited about reading.
- Make reading an event. Take your child to story time events where professional readers, sometimes in character, will read stories aloud. Libraries and museums often have story hours for various age groups.
