Encourage your child to read

 

THE CULTURE of reading is alive and well, despite the onslaught of video games and cable TV. The huge success of Harry Potter and Twilight prove that children (and adults too) love to read and are craving for good books.

This is the perfect time to encourage your child to read as it will have a lasting and nourishing effect on his intellect.



Here are some ways that can boost your child's interest in reading:

Set an example - Children treat their parents as role models. If you wish to imbibe a certain habit in your child, the most practical way to achieve this goal is to inculcate the habit within yourself. If you project to your child that reading is one of your favorite and most fun activities, then your child is likely to try it out on his own. This might take some time but it works.

Give books as a special treat - Presenting a good informative book to your child on a special occasion will also generate excitement and curiosity in your child's mind. If your child absolutely despises reading, then pick a book on the subject that he loves the most. For instance, if your child loves baseball, then you can present him with a book about baseball players or a short history of baseball.

Get some hobby ideas from books - Books are an excellent way to help children develop their interest in a new extra-curricular activity such as gardening. Get together with your little one and try out some great gardening tips from a self-help gardening book. Ask for your children's help every now and then, encouraging them to come up with their own ideas based on what they have read in a particular book.

Tell bedtime stories - Reading out bedtime stories has been a major part of a parent-child relationship. Rekindle this activity by reading together with your child. This activity will drive away any intimidating fears or repulsion from reading activities that your child might have picked up at school over the recent years.

Join a book club - Encourage your child to join a book club. Interacting with other children and sharing their reading interests will boost your child's social skills, confidence and encourage him to make new friends. You can enlist your child in a school-based book club or perhaps, join other parents and put up an online book club.

Enlist a reading tutor - If you want someone to focus on your child's reading habits, then hire an online reading tutor who can read with and help your child to develop good reading skills. Getting an online tutor is advisable to busy moms like you who want to supervise their child's learning as an online tutor can accommodate to you tight schedule. You are also assured that you're child has a safe and comfortable learning environment as the tutoring can be done in your own home, as long as you have an internet connection.