There is a proverb in kannada “Desha Suttu, Kosha Odu”, which means there are 2 best ways to gain knowledge. One is by travelling(Desha Suttu) and the other is by reading(Kosha Odu) different types of books. So to make our kids knowledgeable we have to either take them to different places or we can help them to read lot of books or do both. With the current situation, books seem to be more feasible options isn’t it? In this article let us discuss about how to inculcate reading habits in children.
Why reading is important for children?
- Reading habits are not just for the academic success, it helps in personality building. It improves child’s vocabulary and develops better communication skills.
- It imparts knowledge. Good communication skills coupled with knowledge automatically gives the confidence required to face the real world.
- Reading regularly helps in brain development, it piques child’s imagination and curiosity. It also helps to give a boost to child’s creativity.
- Children generally have short attention span. Good books can help the child with better concentration skills.
- Children who develops liking for reading will find it easier to read and comprehend their academic books. It also helps their learning skills when they grow up.
- Books can be friends for life. It helps to kill boredom and rejuvenates the mind.
- Indulging in good books can significantly reduce child’s screen time.
Tips to raise readers
Raising readers is fun and rewarding experience. Try it for yourself by following below tips:
Early exposure to Books: There is no right time to start with the books! You can start as early as 1 year or even before that! Of Course, they are not ready to read yet, but they observe the pictures and the way you turn the pages. Cuddling and reading aloud for your child establishes special bonding between the child and the parent, also it leaves positive feeling towards books in child’s mind.
There are variety of books available for babies these days, music books, cloth books, pull out picture books, peek-a-boo books, touch and feel books, etc. You can expose your baby to all these kinds to make them like books.
Lead by example: As per the popular saying “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you” if you want your child to inculcate certain behavior, then you should follow it too. So, to raise readers you must become one first. Or at-least try to become one.
If you watch screen and ask the child to read, they will resist. If children see you reading days after days, then they will pick up the book and start reading it.
Home environment : As they say “We are product of our environment…”. Our home should have the environment to nurture reading habits in the child. If you give importance to books and reading, it will etch in child’s mind and they also start giving importance to books.
Make sure books are in the vicinity of the children and easily accessible to them. Setting up a small library and reading corner also works well.
Take them to nearest libraries and allow them to choose their books. Involve them in new books shopping. These kind of activities will develop liking towards the books.
Stick to the routine: Routine is very important to develop any habit. Also, kids respond well to routines. Keep aside minimum 20 mins reading time everyday. If the child can read on her own, well and good. If not, you can read to her.
You may like to read our article on – How to inculcate good habits in children
Make it fun and rewarding: Routines are important but don’t make strict rules about it. Reading should be recreational and enjoyable for the child. If you make it look like a chore or duty then children will resist. Show them how to enjoy reading.
Set up together reading time where all the family members or at-least one adult sits with children and read. It is like you read your books I will read mine kind activity. Give books as rewards to the children. You can make colorful journals to keep track of the books read by the children. It encourages them to read more books.
You may like to read our book reviews here.
