Seven ways to interest your child in reading

1. Children must catch the habit of reading.

Reading is not taught, it is caught. It is a habit. Your child needs to catch it. Children observe adults around them and catch many habits, good and bad from them. If the adult members in the family are in the habit of reading, children will begin to copy it early in life. So, make sure that everyone in the family reads. Your child must see everyone else at home reading.

2. Choose texts that interest your child.

Reading interests vary from child to child. Do not assume that all children like stories. Some may like factual texts. Give them a variety. Observe what interests them. Give them more of such texts. Children, like adults, love to read what they like to read. Do not force anything on them.

3. Choose texts appropriate to their level of reading.

Reading level varies from child to child. It has no direct relation to their age. The reading level of a child of 10 years may sometimes be as low as that of a child of 6 years. Or, it may be higher too. If a child struggles to understand a text suggested for his age, give them something simpler. Complex texts can put them off very easily.(More about how to choose the right texts later.)

4. Read to your child.

To develop interest in books, read books to children from their early days. One story or one text a day can make a big difference to their life.

5. Encourage your child to join in, in your reading.

If your child listens to the same story a few times, a time comes when they recognise words and they want to read them. Encourage them to join in.

6. Engage your child in reading.

Encourage your child to ask questions about the text. If they want to react to the text, let them. Those are good signs of the child enjoying reading.

7. Introduce them to interesting texts.

Many children don’t know what to read. You as a parent can play a vital role in helping your child to choose what to read. You may first read a book and tell the child about the book. Only a lit candle can light another candle. Create interest in it but don’t tell everything about it. Leave it to them to read and find out. (More about how to introduce children to interesting texts in another issue.)

Why doesn’t my child read anything extra?

Does your son and/or daughter read anything beyond their textbooks? If yes, you are blessed. If they don’t read, don’t curse yourself or your child. Have you ever wondered why children don’t read? Here are some common reasons they put forth:

It’s boring: Maybe the things they are given to read are really boring. Find out what interests them. Let them read anything they like as long as it is not obscene.

I don’t have the time:  Children think they have too much to study. However, they find the time to watch TV, surf or play games on computers, go out with friends, watch movies, eat out.... but no time to read. It is a question of priority. Those who love to read find time while doing everything else. However, remember: don’t force it on them. Help them to have reading as one of the priorities in life. Create interest in reading. (More about it later)

It’s too hard: Maybe they are given books which are beyond their levels. Give them books they can read and understand.

It’s not important: If they think it’s not important, they don’t know what it can give them. Don’t blame them. They are too young to understand the surrender value of reading. Make them understand it gradually.

It’s no fun: If reading is not fun, obviously they are reading very drab stuff. Find out what interests them. Not all children have the same liking. Some like stories, some like texts on adventure, fashion, mystery, nature, science, technology, inventions. The list can go on. You are the best judge because there is no one who understands your child as well as you. Try and find out their interests and give them books they love to read. Once they get hold books they enjoy, trust me...nothing can stop them.

Parent - A Role Model

Six steps to be a good role model for your child

• Establish Open communication.
• Teach by setting an example.
• Be involved in your child’s life.
• Encourage and reward good behaviour.
• Mentor your child - Teach your child to take responsibility.
• Become involved in community – Demonstrate how changing the life of another person can be so rewarding.