Motivating Your Child to Read

By: Veronica Scott
Submitted: 2008-07-25 17:50:41
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In a world filled with stimulating video games, computers and the Internet, state the art toys and television, reading a book might seem boring to your child. As a parent, you understand how important reading is for your child, but you are frustrated on how to get them to put down the Game Boy and read a book. Here are some tips to get your child interested in reading:

  • Start early by reading to your child even when they are a baby.
  • Find books that interest your child. If they like trains, airplanes, or animals find books about these subjects.
  • Get a subscription to a children’s magazine for your child. Children love getting mail and usually want to read what they receive. This may also work by getting your child a pen pal, such as a far away cousin, to exchange letters with.
  • Let your children see you reading for pleasure in your spare time.
  • Take your children to the library regularly. Explore the children's section together.
  • Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters. Older children enjoy showing off their skills to an admiring audience.
  • Play games that are reading-related. Check your closet for spelling games played with letter tiles or dice, or board games that require players to read spaces, cards, and directions.
  • Set aside a regular time for reading in your family, independent of schoolwork, the 20 minutes before lights out, just after dinner, or whatever fits into your household schedule. As little as 10 minutes of free reading a day can help improve your child's skills and habits.
  • Read aloud to your child, especially a child who is discouraged by his or her own poor reading skills. The pleasure of listening to you read, rather than struggling alone, may restore your child's initial enthusiasm for books and reading.
  • Encourage your child to read aloud to you an exciting passage in a book, an interesting tidbit in the newspaper, or a joke in a joke book.
  • On gift-giving occasions, instead of toys give books and magazines based on your child's current interests.
  • Set aside a special place for children to keep their own books and create a special reading area for your child.
  • Don't try to persuade your child to finish a book he or she doesn't like. Recommend putting the book aside and trying another.
  • Limit your children's TV viewing in an effort to make time for other activities, such as reading. But never use TV as a reward for reading, or a punishment for not reading.
  • Encourage your child to read other things besides books. Have them read their own menu at a restaurant, road signs, food labels, grocery lists or have them read the notes they receive from school to you. Be sure and take advantage of all the reading opportunities during the course of your family's busy day.
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Article source: Expert Articles

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