Ireland’s best-loved reading initiative, the MS Read-a-Thon, is set to take place from October 9th to November 9th this year.
This annual fundraising event will see children and teenagers from all over the country delving into books in a bid to raise much needed funds for crucial services for people suffering with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
During the MS Read-a-Thon, our little ones are encouraged to read as many books as possible while collecting sponsorship for their efforts. As well as inspiring a love of reading, the event also teaches participants about the importance of helping others.
MS Ireland is currently urging schools everywhere to get involved as 10% of the money raised by each school during the initiative will be invested back into resources for the individual schools in question.
Everyone who registers for the event will receive a MS Read-a-Thon badge, bookmark, and certificate after completing the challenge. Participants will also be in with a chance to win some really cool prizes, as well as earn rewards based on the amounts they raise.
If you would like your child to participate in this wonderful event but are having difficulty in coaxing them to pick up a book, try some of these helpful tips. Once you instil a love of reading within your child, you will have a reading-rocket on your hands in no time.
1. Reader achievement chart
Start off with a short book and set a realistic date by which your child should have it completed. When your child has finished the book, write it on the chart. As the list grows, your child will enjoy a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Once they have finished a book, sit down and discuss the story with them. Ask them lots of questions like what they enjoyed most about the story. This will bring the story to life for your child but it will also help you determine the type of books that appeal to them.
2. The Mighty Book
Websites such as themightybook.com allow children to listen to an age-appropriate story while the words appears on screen. The stories are accompanied by animations and music, and each word is highlighted as it is spoken, thus making it easy for the child to follow and participate.
3. Read to them
If your child steadfastly refuses to read a book, set aside some time each evening to read a story to them. When you reach a certain twist in the story, stop reading and explain to them that if they want to know what happens next, then they will have to read the next few pages out loud to you.
Take an interest in the story so that your child will enjoy reading it to you and praise their reading ability where possible. It is important that you let them read at their own pace. They will improve as they progress.
4. Comics
Children with a low threshold for boredom may find it difficult to concentrate on pages of text, so it might be a good idea to start off by having them read age-appropriate comics before later progressing to books. Show your child a selection of comics and ask them to choose which one they would like to start with. It can make a world of difference when a child feels as though they are the ones in control and making the decision.
5. Book race
Certain books, such as Harry Potter, appeal to both children and adults alike, so choose one that you and your child will enjoy and start reading it at the same time. If you are worried they may lose interest in a large book, have a race to see which one of you reaches a certain chapter number first.
