Good reading habits in children bolster their mental growth. It begins by developing their spellings, vocabulary and pronunciation. As all of them start solidifying, it opens them to a big world of knowledge and wisdom.
Many great personalities, including authors, testify to the importance of reading.
In the words of the great scientist and mathematician Rene Descartes, “The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest (people) of the past centuries.” Also, Dr. Seuss, a famous children’s author, captures the essence of good reading habits: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
The reading habits that form in childhood have a strong influence throughout life. It affects your child’s outlook towards life values and also influences their successes. It may help them find creative solutions to challenges in the future.
1. Regular reading: Encourage your child to read regularly. When reading becomes a habit, you wouldn’t have to take extra effort for the same except for guidance with tough words or pronunciation. It helps improve their vocabulary, boost comprehension skills, improve pronunciation and read better. Set aside a little time after school or during bedtime.
2. Easy accessibility: Keep the appropriate books within your child’s reach. When they see books in various places at home, it signals to them the importance of books. The impressions that form during childhood last lifelong.
3. Digital books: Nowadays, every book is available online. If your child is permitted to use the internet, encourage them to read from a children’s book site or a downloaded story in PDF. But hardbound copies help more as there is no screen radiation.
4. Variety: Encourage your child to read across a variety of books ranging from fiction to non-fiction. This will expand their knowledge base.
5. Be the example: You must be the change you wish to see in your child. Children emulate their elders, and hence, when you sincerely read regularly, you become their role model.
6. Give freedom: As your child advances in their reading skills, allow them to pick their favourite book. This boosts their confidence in themselves and helps them become better readers.
7. Reading space: Create a cosy reading space with soft lighting and the least disturbances. This makes reading an activity that your child would enjoy and look forward to everyday.
Make sure you put on expressions whenever you read to your child. Your expressions help your child understand themselves better, apart from improving vocabulary and comprehension skills. It makes your child a better reader and creative thinker.
Therefore, the above 7 powerful techniques can go a long way in bringing out the creative potential in the child along with common benefits. As a parent, your investment in time and efforts will have a long lasting effect on your child’s future.
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