Do your kids love reading? Or do they find it a chore to read for school or even on their own time? If so, this post is for you.
It's been my experience that many children don't enjoy reading as much as they could because it doesn't come naturally to them and can be hard work. I know I hated reading when I was at school, I found it so hard and a total chore. So let’s explore 5 easy tips to help your children learn to love reading.
1. Get them involved in the process of choosing a book - go to the library or shop.
One of the best ways to get kids involved in reading is by letting them make their own choices. Firstly, head on down to your local library or bookstore and see what they recommend! The library or bookstore might have some good suggestions for some age appropriate books- many libraries now offer story time sessions where you can listen to a local author, see if there's something nearby you.
Image courtesy of Foxen & Friends. Fox pointing at Rocket Lolly from ‘Lolly and Stitch are not Afraid.’
2. Say your Child's name throughout to keep them engaged.
Another great tip is to say your child's name throughout the story to keep him/her engaged. It will keep their focus on your voice and the story, also, as you read, talk about what’s going on. Things like; how do you feel about this character? And get involved yourself, tell your child what you like and dislike? You can also get them to find things on the page if they are too young to answer in-depth questions.
3. Make the story interactive.
This tip is my favourite, it's about having some fun and getting silly. One of the best ways to get your child interested in reading is by making it interactive. Get a book that features some fun characters and voice each other’s parts, while following along with words on the page. If you have very young children who are not reading yet, try naming off things associated with what's being read aloud.
LITTLE STAR TIP: Rhyming books work great for this because they are easy to remember as the words flow together.
You can also ask questions about events happening within the story to keep them engaged throughout.
When I’m reading to my toddler I often use her soft toys to play parts in the story, she loves to hear them speak and play along, it never fails to have us both laughing. This is what spending time with our children is all about, reading is the best way to bond with a child and they never forget that. Have some fun and get silly with your little ones.
4. Get them to tell you the story.
Ask for your child’s input - get them to tell you which words they know and what they think those words mean. This will help make sure all meanings have been captured so there are no gaps when reading later on. If they don’t know or get the meaning wrong, remind them of the meaning and move on to another word, if you can find a word you know they know, this will help boost confidence if they are struggling.
5. Make a set of Lolly and Stitch Popsicle puppets
This last tip is especially for readers of my books. I have created a full set of characters that can be printed out and made into popsicle puppets, to help children engage and enjoy reading along with the story ‘Lolly and Stitch are not Afraid.’ As you read the story get your child/children to hold up the character they can see on the page that matches with theirs. Then follow along with making the sounds in the story, when Lolly ZOOMS in her Rocket or ROARS as a Lollysauras. Enjoy making up new sounds for each character.
I hope that you and your children will enjoy more stories and find a little bonding time at bedtime or at any time of the day.
If you are looking for some new books to read together, check out Little Star Books!
I have a growing list of picture books. Plus free downloadable activities to help children engage and enjoy reading.