Reading is essential not only in education but also in communication, making it a crucial habit that needs to be taught at a young age. Moreover, reading for pleasure gives a lifetime of benefits for kids as they go through school and slowly transition into adulthood.
Although it can be challenging, remember the benefits that reading can provide to your kids or teens and use that as a driving motivation. To help you out, here are five tips to help you turn your children’s reading reluctance into enthusiasm.
Have a Reading Area Like the Living Room
The reading space doesn’t need to be big or have many bookshelves. It can be a corner in the living room or your kid’s bedroom. Choosing a comfy spot with enough lighting and space that can hold a book or two can help your child connect with reading with comfort, making it a fun and relaxing activity that they can look forward to.
If you’re buying or building a new home from the proceeds of a VA loan, you can create cozy spots that will encourage or nurture the love of reading in your family. You can also create a unique reading nook by setting up a table, padded chairs, and a couple of books. A window seat is also a good place for kids and adolescents to read.
Set Aside Time to Read Together
One of the best ways to cultivate reading habits for your kids would be reading along with them. That’s why when you’re buying or borrowing books, make sure you grab two copies and start reading with them. Children or teens often learn from what they observe. If they see your dedication and enthusiasm for reading, they will likely catch your excitement and read along happily with you. ;
Visit Bookstores and Libraries Together Frequently
Establish a routine to visit libraries or bookstores often with your child or teen. A fun way you can do this is by dropping by the bookstore or library during the weekend and sit down to a hot chocolate with them. This method allows them to have something to look forward to, enabling them to enjoy their favorite reads and treats, eventually developing a love of reading and nurturing their reading habit.
Start on a Book Together and Discuss
It’s best if you and your child start reading a book together and when you’re both finished reading it, discuss with each other to see what you found interesting about it or what you learned from it. Doing this helps them feel more accomplished as they list their learning. It’s wise if you change the books you read regularly. This practice will not only let them be more involved, but it will also nurture their reading habit.
Let them Use E-Readers Once in a While
Although using traditional books is still more ideal than e-readers, these modern devices are versatile, and you can adapt them to each person’s specific needs. If you have a child with poor vision and require larger fonts or fewer lines per page to improve their reading ability, an e-reader is perfect for them. E-readers are also great for kids with learning disabilities, allowing you to adjust the device accordingly for children that learn differently, not letting them miss out.
Reading has always been crucial to a person’s development as it increases your knowledge of various subjects and improves your intuitive skills. As a parent, make an effort to cultivate a love of reading and develop reading habits among children and teens to help them be the best version of themselves.
