For many parents, developing love for books in their children is not an easy task. They might seem uninterested in reading. However, research shows that kids who are exposed to reading habits from an early age tend to have stronger communication skills and even perform better in academics.
But as a parent, how do you spark curiosity for books and make reading a joyful activity? Little Scholars Playhouse and Montessori, a top kindergarten in Kolkata, shares practical and effective tips you can follow to help your little ones make reading an everyday habit.
Books are extremely good for kids. When reading becomes a part of your child’s daily routine, their vocabulary improves a lot. Moreover, it also helps parents instil important values in real life.
Parents play an important role in nurturing a child’s interest in reading, either alone or as a family affair. To do that, here are some ways.
Children thrive on routines, and including reading as a part of daily activity makes it even more enjoyable. Hence, you can set a fixed time, especially before bedtime or during quiet times. Start with 15-20 minutes a day and gradually increase the time.
Always pick books that match your child’s age and capabilities. For example, picture books, storybooks or even rhyming books are an excellent choice for toddlers. Also, let them decide on the book even if it means reading the same thing again and again.
If there is always a book within their reach, children are more likely to pick it up, even if it is for a few minutes. Having books around builds familiarity and encourages spontaneous reading.
If possible, create a separate reading corner in your home. For example, you can keep a table, or a mat, cushions and a shelf with a few colourful books. They will naturally sit down and get lost in the story. Little Scholars Playhouse and Montessori, a top kindergarten in Kolkata, creates a similar environment to make reading a habit in a comforting way.
By linking stories to real-life situations, children don’t just hear words; rather, they live them. For example, if they are reading about animals, take them to a zoo afterwards or discuss their visit. You can even ask them to draw pictures of those animals to help them relate to the character or surroundings.
Make reading a shared experience. Take time, sit together and turn the pages slowly. As you tell the stories, pause for a moment to ask simple questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why is the character sad?” They are going to get involved in the story and become an active listener as well.
Expose your child to a variety of stories. Take them to a library or bookshop quite often. Let them browse and buy them the books that they like. This will make reading a social activity and build their independence.
Reading aloud or sharing stories with them has a lot of benefits.
It is important to remember that every child takes their own time. Some toddlers take a longer time to get interested in reading. Hence, be patient and offer plenty of praise to show encouragement. Enrolling your little one in a leading kindergarten in Kolkata, like Little Scholars Playhouse and Montessori, will also make a great difference in supporting their reading journey.
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