Reading will come much easier to your child if you can cultivate love and interest for books. But sometimes, reading to your child is not the picture perfect event we see on TV or fantasies in our heads. In fact, it can be quite frustrating to get an active child to sit down and listen to you read, much less stay seated until the book is finished. So how do you tackle the challenge of getting your child interested in books? Here are some tips to get your child hooked on books.
1.Don’t push.
It is the job and function of a kid to rebel and challenge a parent. It’s the way she establishes her individuality and proves to the world as well as herself that she is in charge. So if she senses how important it is for you to read to her, chances are high she will resist. Just keep offering to read to her. If she refuses, read aloud to yourself and pretend you are having a great time. That will get her interest.
2: Eliminate all distractions
While you might like to read to soft, soothing music, it is best to turn off all sources of audio and visual distractions while you sit down to read with your child. So turn off that CD player and switch off the TV before you sit down with her. Concentrate on the child and what you are doing together.
3: Choose books that will interest the child
Your child will show more interest if you select books that have topics she is interested in. If she is into cars or has a favorite show, get books about them. The result will delight both you and your child.
4: Read with animation
Modulate the tone and pitch of your voice according to the story line. Raise and lower your voice. If you are quoting a duck for example, make your voice quacky; growl if you are voicing a lion. You will make the book come alive.
5. Look Beyond the words
Point to pictures the text doesn’t mention and talk about it. Have conversation about the plot. Laugh at funny faces of the drawn characters. For older kids, retell some of your experience.
6. Be patient
It takes time and consistent effort to make get your child interested in books. It is after all, a time for growing and she is busy absorbing the world around her. She is also growing physically and meeting challenges in that field. If she ever gets tires or shows irritation towards reading, stop right away. Go to the park. Take a break. You can try again the next day.
7. Give a lot of praises.
We all love praises, but children especially, thrive on them. Give a lot of praises when she identifies a letter or a word or makes a clever remark. Thank her for reading with you and tell her how much you enjoy reading with her.
8: Have fun!
This is by far the most important ingredient. If you enjoy reading to and with your child, she will sense it and it will add to her enjoyment. Take a book outside to read, have her snuggle up to you. Portray reading as a form of entertainment instead of a lesson. In spite of the availability of television, computer and movie theaters, people still pay billions of dollars each year buying books. Because reading is fun!
By: Ma. Teresa M. Suing | Teacher II | Orani South Elementary School | Orani, Bataan
