Tips for reading with your child

 

Reading with your child

Sharing a book with a child is enjoyable! It's a time for connection, laughter, and conversation - and it can also help children gain a head start in life and become lifelong readers.

Don't worry if you're uncomfortable reading aloud or sharing books with your children; there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a story together. Nonetheless, here is a couple to get you started if you'd like some pointers.

It’s never too early to start

It's never too early to begin reading to them - they may not comprehend the words, but they will enjoy cuddling up, hearing your voice, and gazing at the illustrations.

Speak with your bump. Your baby may hear sounds as early as 18 weeks, and chatting to your pregnant belly on a regular basis will help them recognize your voice and feel safe listening to you even before they're born.

When they're young, introduce them to black-and-white novels. You might get the Bookstart Newborn pack, which includes black-and-white images to share. They are ideal in the early stages of development when their eyes are still maturing.

In England and Wales, contact your health visitor or local library where you may get your free Bookstart Baby pack. It contains books, tips, and advice to get you started. Join your neighborhood library. Libraries are full of wonderful recommendations and guidance, and you'll have a new supply of books to read. Your library may also organize Rhymetimes and other events for young children, where you may have fun while meeting other families.

Include other family members. Everyone can enjoy storytime, and it's a fantastic way to connect. There are many novels on the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, for example; perhaps your child might like sharing one of those stories with their own nanny and granddad?

As your child gets a bit older

Sharing picture books can be a lot of fun, but don't be concerned if your youngster becomes distracted, chews the book, or wanders off... It is very typical! Don't be concerned if you don't have much time in your hectic day; even a few minutes can make a big difference.

Here are some additional suggestions to help you enjoy storytime together:

Allow your youngster to select what they want to read. They will be more engaged in the story if they chose it themselves. (And don't be surprised if they keep returning to the same story!)

Turn off the TV, radio, and computer if possible. It will be easier for both of you to enjoy the story if there are no other distractions.

Sit near one another. You might urge your child to hold the book and flip the pages independently.

Examine the photographs. You are not only required to read the words on the page.

Maybe there's something hilarious in the photographs that you can laugh about as a family, or maybe your child enjoys predicting what will happen next.

Pose questions and discuss the book. Picture books can be a terrific method to assist your child talk through their concerns and worries, or to help them deal with their emotions. Let them communicate and inquire about their reactions to the incidents in the story.

Have a good time! There is no right or wrong method to tell a story as long as you and your youngster enjoy it. Don't be scared to play out scenarios or use silly voices... your kids will adore it!

Encouraging a love of reading

With so many other things competing for their time as children grow older, how can you encourage them to make time for reading?

These are some of our suggestions:

Read for yourself! It doesn't matter what it is - a newspaper or magazine, a recipe book, a computer manual, poetry, romance, or detective fiction will suffice. And invite your kids to participate - if you're cooking, could they read the recipe? Can they read out the listings while you're watching TV?

Give books as gifts. Encourage your children and their friends to swap books - it will expose them to different stories and get them all chatting about what they're reading.

Together, go to the library. It's always exciting to discover new books to read, and keep an eye out for special author events at the library or local bookstores - kids adore meeting their favorite writers. Jacqueline Wilson and Anthony Horowitz always have big signing lines!

Urge children to keep a book with them at all times. That way, they'll never be bored (and you can do the same!).

Create a family library. If possible, include bookshelves in your children's bedrooms.

Continue reading together. You don't have to stop sharing stories just because your children are older; try the Harry Potter series or A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Don't be alarmed if your child reads the same book again and over.