An early love of reading sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Through books, children develop their language skills, enhance their ability to focus, and exercise their imagination and creativity. With these suggestions, your children will be reading on their own in no time.
Library Visits
Make visiting the library an exciting adventure — it’s important that children associate the library with fun. Don’t hesitate to visit the front desk to learn about upcoming activities or book recommendations. The children’s librarian is trained to help you locate the perfect book for your child’s age, interests, and reading level, so this can be a great place to start. Get your child their own library card, and encourage them to leave with as many books as they can carry!
Create a Reading Nook
Now that your child has their library books, where are they going to read them? Create a cozy, fort-inspired book nook at home. All it takes are some fluffy blankets, large pillows, good lighting, and a sheet draped across chairs to build an appealing space. Make sure your nook is well stocked with your own library of books as well.
Continue to Read Out Loud
Many parents are concerned that although their child can read, they don’t seem to want to. Even though they can read, continue reading to them aloud. Their imaginations are craving complex plots and characters that they can’t quite read on their own, and when you read these exciting books, it motivates them to work hard to become a skilled reader. Over time, their improved reading skills will catch up to their desire to read, and they’ll move on to reading more challenging books on their own.
Let Them Choose
Your child is more likely to read if they’re reading books that they want to read, so let them choose. If they aren’t sure where to start, select several different books your child might like, and let them pick which one they want to read.
Limit Technology
It’s hard for a book to compete with the TV or a computer game. Rather than giving your child the choice between a movie or a book, set limits on screen time, and encourage them to pick up a book instead. During meal times, make sure to turn off the TV; in fact, you can read aloud to your children during dinner. On long road trips, swap handheld games for an audiobook.
Read the Book, Then Watch the Movie
While it’s important to limit technology, your child will be excited to see the characters in their imagination come to life on screen. Choose a classic that’s been turned into a movie, such as Charlotte’s Web, The Cat in the Hat, or the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Read the story together and then host a family movie night to watch the film.
At the North Tampa Christian Explorers, a preschool in Wesley Chapel, we believe it’s never too early to start fostering your child’s sense of curiosity and wonder. From the design of our indoor and outdoor classrooms to the interactions and experiences that take place on our campus, everything we do is intentional. We partner with you to provide the very best early experiences for your little ones. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.