Children are made readers on the laps of their parents -Emilie Buchwald
Children start learning from the moment they are born. Teaching, nurturing, talking, playing, singing, and reading aloud together can help you make the most of these crucial early years. Though a child learns to read at school, you, as a parent, are your child's first and best teacher. Whether you are a mother, father, grandparent or a caregiver, you hold the power to make a lasting impact on a child's life. So, choose the best themes you wish to discuss with your young ones and get ready to have some fun!
Set a good example: Children frequently strive to mimic their parents' actions. No matter which book you're reading, as long as you have one in your hands, your child will be inspired to pick up a book.
Ensure that your child is surrounded by books: Keep books where your child may see them and touch them whenever your kid wishes to. Make sure the books are within reach of small children. Create a reading area in your home with plenty of books, bookshelves, and book lights if feasible.
Read aloud to your child: Choose a baby-friendly book to read for and with your child. Read favorite stories, and sing favorite songs repeatedly. Make faces, name things they're interested in, and mimic them. Take turns with each other. Add to what they say and do by repeating and adding to it. Encourage them and follow their direction. Have a good time! Take it easy and enjoy yourself!
Use your child's interests to help him or her develop a reading habit: Allow your child to select the book, do not impose anything on them. Your child may be fascinated by fairies or talking vehicles, even if you aren't. Encourage them to tell you what they like about their books so you can explore more to keep them interested.
Engage in book-related activities together: Choose a book to read as a family, plan an inside picnic where you can just lay down and read, narrate comic books with a cup of hot chocolate, and take kids to libraries, bookshops and museums with you.
Give books as presents: Give children fascinating books that will stimulate their interest in reading. For example, if your child enjoys playing with dolls and barbies, you can give her fairy tale books. Encourage your friends and family to give books as gifts as well.
It's never too late to instill a love of reading in your child, no matter how old he or she is. Make those modest but major moves in the correct direction, and watch your child discover a universe that will spark his/her interest, broaden his/her knowledge, and enlarge his/her perspective.