Reading to Kids
Parents Model Reading for their Children
Television booms in the background, it has become the sound of family living in the 21st century. Parents are able to do a few chores as the kids unwind at the television. With the television on, students are less willing to pick up a book and read. The love of reading is a valuable gift for your child. Telling your child to read as you cook dinner, or watch your favourite show is not the answer.
The best way to get your kids excited about reading is for parents to model reading. It involves teaching the child about selecting a book that is at their reading level and that interests them. Best place to teach kids about book selection is at the local library and bookstores such as Chapters that encourage customers to browse freely and uninterrupted.
Book Selection
Based on your child’s personal likes, encourage him to peruse a variety of books. It is best for children to get exposure to fiction, non fiction, and poetry. Illustrate to your children how you choose an assortment of books and why?
Role Playing
As you peruse the different sections at the library, talk out loud to your child. Example: "Mom wants to make a healthier dinners. I am going to look at cookbooks to find some recipes the family will enjoy." Ask your child to help you select your book.
Show your child how you read the back and front cover of the book to decide if the book is relevant to the type of book you want. As well, show him how you may look at the table of contents, index, or will flip through the book to decide if you would like to read the book. Talk out loud as you make your decisions on the book. After you have selected your book, it is time for your child to select their book.
Allow your child to select her own book. Your purpose is to help them locate one that is age appropriate but still interests the child. Do not deter a child from reading because you are not interested in the subject.
Example: Child enjoys Japanese anime and you find it a bore, but as long as it is age appropriate, it is best for the child decide. Otherwise they will be less willing to make book choices in the future.
A parent can encourage a child to read certain books but make sure they are allowed at least one personal selection.
Reading Time
Times are busy with work, school, homework, extracurricular activities, and the daily living. Little time is left for parents to model reading; however reading can be divided into small and big chunks throughout the week.
A Parent May Read
- to one child as they watch another other child in a sporting activity. Reading can be at the beginning during practice or at intermission to ensure you are still involved in watching your other child.
- waiting for an appointment - keep a book that interests your child in the car. For some appointments you may wait a minimum of 30 minutes, use that time to read. As well, you may give your child a book to read as you read another. In the doctors' and dentists' lounge there are usually several magazines. This is a great time to introduce magazines to your child.
- for five minutes before dinner is served at the dinner table or while they are waiting for water to boil. Reading for a few minutes, gets the child excited about the book and wanting more because they want to know what happens.
- an hour or two at the local library each week to read a book with their child.
- at Chapters, once a month to read new releases. On occasion, the parent may chose to buy their child a book.
Reading and modeling reading does need to be scheduled into our daily lives. After several weeks of reading with your child, you will want to schedule more time into your life as you will enjoy the moments. As your child grows, and they require less shared reading, it is still nice to cuddle and read your own books.
Reading to Kids
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