Getting books in the hands of children that they will love is so key to helping them form habits of regular reading. That doesn't mean forcing certain types of books on them. It means being open to their personal tastes and helping them find books that they will want to devour. That could mean graphic novels, classics, non-fiction, adventures, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, poetry, contemporary, humor, whatever. Monday, April 29, 2013
How to Create Habits of Reading in Kids
Getting books in the hands of children that they will love is so key to helping them form habits of regular reading. That doesn't mean forcing certain types of books on them. It means being open to their personal tastes and helping them find books that they will want to devour. That could mean graphic novels, classics, non-fiction, adventures, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, poetry, contemporary, humor, whatever. 
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It starts way before school.If an adult(mum, dad, grandpa, grandma, older sister, aunty, friend) takes the time to sit down with a child from as early as six months and shares a book with love and enthusiasm then that child is well on the way to becoming an avid reader. Our little grandchild of sixteen months now sits on the floor and reads. We cannot yet understand the story but she does. Her favourite book is about ducks and it cracks me up to hear her making duck noises when she gets to the right page.
ReplyDeleteLiliana, you're exactly right. The earlier we start, the deeper those habits of reading will form. What a delightful story about your grandchild. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken, couldn't agree more. It's all about giving kids choices. If there are plenty of options on the table they are sure to find something they will love. I talk about this often in my blog Raising Awesome Readers. Drop by sometime and have a look. http://gingerbreadaliens.blogspot.com.au/
ReplyDeleteSandra, thanks! You've got a great site.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge is about the economics of books for so many around the world. Books are expensive and heavy. Logistically speaking, we will never be able to afford or arrange the delivery of books to all the children that need them. Technology will pave the way.
ReplyDeleteI invite you to visit a brand new (actually it doesn't "launch" until next week) free web site that has 100 picture books for new readers. They are all in English, but may be listened to in 10 other world languages. http://twigl.org. (It stands for The Wondrously Infinite Global Library)
Hard to beat free.
They also plan to expand the languages both in the books and that narrate the books. The entire idea is to support children everywhere both to learn to read and to choose to read.
The availability of smartphones and the reach of mobile networks is growing everywhere and in five years the predictions are that everyone will be reading off their telephones.