10 Ways to Encourage Reading

 
{ONE} Children need literary books that stimulate the imagination, encourage curiosity, play and wonder. Children need to have a rich experience of what reading can be like to be enthused and excited about reading. They need intense, exciting, funny, scary books. Just as we, as adults have freedom to read for enjoyment, let us not neglect the imaginative and creative importance of our children’s literacy.

 
{TWO} Let go of expected outcomes more often and enjoy the wonder of literature. Let them explore; let them imagine; let them be grasped into the author’s world; let them play; escape and daydream.

 
{THREE} Don’t focus and get stuck on the skills of decoding because that’s a sure way to kill enthusiasm for reading. There is no value in teaching children to read if there’s no excitement about reading.

 
{FOUR} Let children choose the books they read. What captures the imagination varies for each child, (as it does for adults); so let children choose the books they will read. This choice is not always easy. How often have we as adults stood in front of countless bookshelves as we make our decisions? Provide guidance for supportive choices. Listen to their interests and needs. Recommend books that introduce them to new authors and remind them of classics.

 
{FIVE} Create special reading areas.  Make it easier for children to concentrate when reading. Make it comfortable and ensure good lighting. A quiet environment is also helpful.

 
{SIX} Have a good supply of engaging books.  You can tell if the books you’ve got are engaging by the level of noise or silence during reading.

 
{SEVEN} Introduce new books to children by reading aloud. Make it engaging – use character voices. If you’re really terrible at this, look for great audio books. The more engaged they are, the more value children will place on books and reading.

 
{EIGHT} Participate in a children’s choice award. Let children nominate and vote for their favourite books and be part of a real outcome.

 
{NINE} Meet authors and illustrators. Personally meeting and talking with the creators of the adored books would excite any reader.

 
{TEN} Give children more time to read.  It’s not just about the quality of time, but the quantity of time.

N&M: 4 years, 2 months
E: 2 years, 1 month

August 2012