The earlier you begin to encourage a love of reading in your child, the better. A child who grows up surrounded by books in a home that values the importance of reading stands a much higher chance of becoming an avid reader. So, what exactly can parents do to raise a book-worm?
Read to your child: This should be a regular routine in your home. Make time for an hour of reading each night, before bed is a good time as kids are winding down.Have a book shelf dedicated to books in your child’s room. For birthdays and Christmas, give your child books or as they get older, book vouchers so they can choose their own books. A shelf of books in their room will help develop their interest in reading.
Be a good role model. It’s hard to encourage a love of reading if your child doesn’t have a good role model. Set aside time to read each evening and turn off the TV for an hour.
Find subjects that interest your child. Maybe your child likes sports or dinosaurs or maybe he likes fairytales or magic? Finding books that you think will interest your child will mean he is more likely to enjoy the experience.
Visit bookshops and the library together. Taking your child routinely to a library or to a bookshop will expose him to the joy of reading. Many bookshops and libraries have story time hour which your child will also be sure to love.
