Bonjour lecteurs! Reading is such an important skill. It opens doors to knowledge, imagination and limitless possibilities. Developing a love for books for your children will definitely set them on a path toward academic success and enrichment of life experience. But as a busy mum, I totally appreciate it might not always be easy. So I have put for you une liste de stratégies to support you build a love for reading among youngsters.
The Importance of Early Reading
Research has repeatedly show l’impact that early reading has on children’s brain development. Indeed, during these formative years, language and literacy skills develop, as well as their vocabulaire.
So engage your child with books as soon as possible. It increases their vocabulaire as well as their cognitive abilities like problem-solving and critical thinking.
There are so many types of books there like touch and feel editions to start with when they are bébés.
Books Everywhere
When Stanley was barely a toddler, I followed a bit le concept Montessori and I remember distinctively reading an article where they encouraged parents to have books all over the house so that children could independently pick them up and start reading.
It stuck to me, so that I would place books randomly in the house: in his room, but also near our sofa, on the dining-table or even in the bathroom! We even had some waterproof books for him to read while in the bath!
Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
You don’t have to go that far, but it’s une bonne idée to get started. Plus, it really get them used to have books and they naturally go for them!
More generally, it’s worth create un environement idéal for them to read. The key is to make it comfortable and fun. J’adore l’idée of creating a reading corner in your home. It’s très simple to start it and it’s like in most schools.
Set aside an area in your home where comfortable seating, warm lighting, and books await their discovery. It will be like un espace dedicated for reading. Within that space, I would include a diverse collection of books that covers all genres and topics. From picture books and fairy tales, to magazine and even poetry, make it fun and include anything that is related to their interest. When Stanley was little, he loved watching Bing and we got a series of books that he would take everywhere with him!
Create A Daily Habit
A good way to get children to love reading? Turn it into a daily habit. I appreciate that we are all busy, but 10 or 15 minutes a day will have such a big impact.
When he was a bébé, I followed the Bath, Book, Bed concept with Jo Frost. I absolutely loved those moments with him. I still remember the first ever book I read to him when he was barely a few weeks old!
Later, when he started school, I got into the habit of having breakfast with him à la table and we would read a book together before getting ready. We still do it today and I would not stop this routine for anything! Those moments are très spéciaux! We are reading the Twits by Roald Dahl at the minute.
Reading Together, Creating That Bond
Like any other skill you want to develop in children, you must demonstrate it for them to replicate it. So turn it into a shared experience. Read together and create un moment magique just for you two.
Reading aloud to your child not only strengthens their listening skills but also creates memories they’ll treasure over time.
Make it fun and engaging by asking questions. This way, you also check their comprehension and you encourage your child to think critically and interact with the content. But also use expressions: I love using different voices for characters, changing tones and conveying emotions while I read. This way, it brings the story alive.
Sometimes, we even take it in turns. It boosts their confidence et c’est l’excuse parfaite for them to develop listening skills in a safe environment.
Choose Age-Appropriate Books
Choosing age and reading level-appropriate books for your child is très important. Indeed, an unsuitable book could cause frustration while an easy one could bore them to tears. To make le bon choix, consider their interests. Whether that be dinosaurs, spaceships or fairies… Select books covering topics they like and they will want to read them.
You can also use the five finger rule. When choosing a new book for your child to read, encourage them to go through the first page. If they struggle more than five words out of every line on that first page, then maybe it’s a bit difficile for them.
I also like series like Harry Potter. It is so much more captivating for children and they can often relate to the main characters.
Comprehension and Word Recognition
The more you read together, the more they develop their vocabulaire as well as their communication skills.
Introduce new words regularly; explain any new idiom’s meaning by using it into another context.
Phonics and sight words are also important as they operate as building blocks in learning how to read. So encourage your child to practise these skills through games, activities, worksheets and more. Also ensure they understand the difference between phonics and sight words and use various approaches to help them master both.
Finalement, on top of regularly reading, I would also play word games like Boggle or Scrabble. It will enhance kids’ vocabulary skills and increase their confidence when using new terms.
All those idées will help building their communication skills. Establishing a solid reading journey for your child takes dedication, creativity, and patience. Ce n’est pas un secret! But it is worth the time and energy and you also set them up for a brighter future. Plus, c’est l’excuse parfaite to bond with them. Bonne Chance!
