Apart from being one of the primary skills in education, reading is also an integral part of our daily lives. In today’s world of digital data, the ability to read for comprehension is of great importance for successful communication. In addition, reading for pleasure helps children broaden their vocabulary and leads to higher academic scores. Therefore, it’s essential to develop and stimulate love for reading in children from day one. It’s the job of the parents and teachers to come up with creative ways to get children immersed in the world of books. It’s not an easy task, but if you devote some time and effort to it, you can turn your kids into avid readers. Here’s how you can teach your children to appreciate and enjoy reading.

Start with rhymes

When it comes to preschoolers, reciting rhymes is a great way to spark enthusiasm for reading. Rhymes and songs can be easily taught as they feature a lot of repetition and little children won’t have trouble remembering them. Once they learn it by heart, praise them for their good work. It will boost their confidence and make them want to learn more.

How to read to kids

It’s never to soon to start reading to your kids, you can do it even when they’re still babies. Changing your voice while reading the lines for different characters will add to the fun. Although they won’t be able to understand you, it will be a pleasant and amusing experience for them nonetheless. When they grow up a bit, you can start reading bedtime stories to them. If you can, read stories to your children every night before they go to sleep. Look at the book together, so that you can point to illustrations and pictures while you’re reading. Running your finger under the words while you read will make it easier for your children to establish the link in their minds between the words on the paper and the story. It’s a great way of teaching and entertaining them at the same time, which might make them become fond of reading.

The whole world is made of letters

Think outside the box when teaching your kids alphabet. Make use of letters all the time by getting an alphabet rug for your children’s room or by placing alphabet fridge magnets in the kitchen. Expose them to letters even during meals by preparing alphabet soup. Children absorb information from an early age and all these tricks will prove to be useful later in life.

Comfy reading corner

When introducing your kids to the magical world of books, create the atmosphere that fits the occasion. A comfy reading place will enable them to indulge in books. Equip the reading corner with a bookshelf, a soft shaggy rug, a comfy armchair, and a proper reading lamp. Add a cup of hot tea and the reading can start!

Mom and dad need to read, too

Before you can teach your children to value reading, you need to adopt the same habits. Find some time for reading every day and make sure your kids can see you. Whether you’re reading a novel or a book of recipes, it’s important that your children realize how essential reading is in everyday life. Reading can continue even after you’ve closed the book. Share impressions with your kids about the books you’ve read and recommend something you think they might like. Pay a visit to the library together and let them choose what they want. It’s important to be persistent and determined with your first child, and once you’ve laid the foundations with them, their siblings will quickly join in.

Better reading abilities enable more success in life. It can be challenging to turn your kids into reading enthusiasts, but by using these tips and putting in a little effort, you can bring the world of books closer to your children and make them want to embrace it.

About author: Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”