In the digital age, where screens dominate our attention, fostering a love for reading in children has never been more crucial. Reading not only enhances language skills, but also stimulates imagination and critical thinking.
A study cited in Time also highlights the impact of reading on brain development, indicating its association with language comprehension and visual imagery processing. This underscores the significance of encouraging children to embrace reading from an early age.
Moreover, cultivating a love of reading early on can have far-reaching benefits, empowering children to become active participants in their own cognitive growth. As parents, it’s essential to instil in our children a genuine enthusiasm for reading, inspiring them to seek out books independently. In this article, we’ll explore five effective strategies to get your child to read more and nurture their love for reading.
1. Give them early exposure to books
How early, you ask? Well, it’s never too soon to start – even in infancy!
Early exposure to books lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. While your little one may not yet comprehend the words on the page, they can absorb the sights and sounds of your storytelling, making it a valuable bonding experience.
You can start by incorporating bedtime reading into your child’s daily routine. This not only establishes a comfortable ritual but also introduces them to the joy of books. Opt for colourful, illustrated books that capture their attention and stimulate their developing senses.
As you read aloud, your child also begins to associate language with meaning, laying the groundwork for speech and vocabulary development. Plus, they can actively absorb your intonation and storytelling techniques, building early literacy skills.
At Star Learners, we embrace a literature-based approach, introducing reading to children from as early as infancy. Our specially-curated selection of books not only sparks imagination, but also imparts valuable lessons, enriching their early learning experiences.
1. Give them early exposure to books
How early, you ask? Well, it’s never too soon to start – even in infancy!
Early exposure to books lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. While your little one may not yet comprehend the words on the page, they can absorb the sights and sounds of your storytelling, making it a valuable bonding experience.
You can start by incorporating bedtime reading into your child’s daily routine. This not only establishes a comfortable ritual but also introduces them to the joy of books. Opt for colourful, illustrated books that capture their attention and stimulate their developing senses.
As you read aloud, your child also begins to associate language with meaning, laying the groundwork for speech and vocabulary development. Plus, they can actively absorb your intonation and storytelling techniques, building early literacy skills.
At Star Learners, we embrace a literature-based approach, introducing reading to children from as early as infancy. Our specially-curated selection of books not only sparks imagination, but also imparts valuable lessons, enriching their early learning experiences.
2. Set up a space where books are always accessible
Harness your child’s innate curiosity by establishing a dedicated space where books are readily available. A cosy book nook serves as an inviting sanctuary for exploration and discovery. Your child may naturally gravitate there if you set things up right.
Regularly rotate the selection on the book nook to keep the excitement alive. And don’t forget to ensure that the shelves are within easy reach for those little hands!
2. Set up a space where books are always accessible
Harness your child’s innate curiosity by establishing a dedicated space where books are readily available. A cosy book nook serves as an inviting sanctuary for exploration and discovery. Your child may naturally gravitate there if you set things up right.
Regularly rotate the selection on the book nook to keep the excitement alive. And don’t forget to ensure that the shelves are within easy reach for those little hands!
3. Make reading a fun activity to look forward to
If your child associates reading with fun, they’re more likely to seek it out themselves. Transform reading into an enjoyable adventure by selecting books tailored to their interests and age.
Whether they’re fascinated by animals or captivated by superheroes, involve them in the book selection process to ignite their enthusiasm by taking them on trips to the library or perhaps the local bookshop.
Our teachers suggest making reading more fun by bringing the stories to life through dynamic storytelling and dramatic re-enactments! This is regularly done in our preschools, where our teachers make use of props and perform animated re-enactments of scenes to help the children feel more immersed in the stories, getting them excited about reading.
3. Make reading a fun activity to look forward to
If your child associates reading with fun, they’re more likely to seek it out themselves. Transform reading into an enjoyable adventure by selecting books tailored to their interests and age.
Whether they’re fascinated by animals or captivated by superheroes, involve them in the book selection process to ignite their enthusiasm by taking them on trips to the library or perhaps the local bookshop.
Our teachers suggest making reading more fun by bringing the stories to life through dynamic storytelling and dramatic re-enactments! This is regularly done in our preschools, where our teachers make use of props and perform animated re-enactments of scenes to help the children feel more immersed in the stories, getting them excited about reading.
4. Lead by example
Children learn by watching those around them, so why not encourage your child to read that way? Set a powerful example by incorporating quiet reading time into your daily routine. As your child observes your reading habits, they’ll naturally emulate this behaviour, building a culture of literacy within the family.
And you can still spend time together this way! Simply set aside some time each day to do this, like quiet reading time after dinner or bath time.
4. Lead by example
Children learn by watching those around them, so why not encourage your child to read that way? Set a powerful example by incorporating quiet reading time into your daily routine. As your child observes your reading habits, they’ll naturally emulate this behaviour, building a culture of literacy within the family.
And you can still spend time together this way! Simply set aside some time each day to do this, like quiet reading time after dinner or bath time.
5. Celebrate their reading milestones
Positive reinforcement can do so much for children. Celebrate your child’s reading milestones! Whether they complete a book or explore a new genre, acknowledge their achievements with a little reward.
You can even maintain a reading log to track your child’s progress and assign fun rewards for each achievement. This can motivate them to continue their reading journey and even nurture their confidence!
5. Celebrate their reading milestones
Positive reinforcement can do so much for children. Celebrate your child’s reading milestones! Whether they complete a book or explore a new genre, acknowledge their achievements with a little reward.
You can even maintain a reading log to track your child’s progress and assign fun rewards for each achievement. This can motivate them to continue their reading journey and even nurture their confidence!
Let us help your child become a better, more enthusiastic reader
Extend your child’s reading journey beyond home with Star Learners! Our curriculum emphasises the importance of literacy, fostering a deep appreciation for reading from an early age.
Find out more about our literature-based curriculum by reaching out to us today. Schedule a virtual tour of our centres and learn how we can inspire your child to become a confident and enthusiastic reader!