Reading for Kids – Raising a Good Reader

Reading for Kids – Simple Ways to Make Reading fun for Kids

All parents know that reading is an important part of their child’s development.  But with some many other things competing for your child’s time and attention how to you make reading for kids fun?  And why should you?

Reading is a basic skill, that leads to better verbal and written communication.  Good readers also learn how to grasp complex concepts, solve puzzles and develop a genuine interest in learning for the sake of learning.    A good reader is a confident reader and will be a better test taker and student.

So what are some good reader strategies you can use to increase your child’s reading skills?  Here are some tips to get kids reading.

1. Read Daily - d reading on a daily basis reinforces basic literacy skills and cements the idea that reading is important – and a necessary part of life – just like brushing teeth and watching TV.
2. Go to Your Public Library  – Did you know that many children today have never visited a library outside the one at school?   An an outing to the library is one your child will respond positively too.  Help them sign up for their own library card and let them pick their own books to read.
3. Lead or Read by Example – If your kids see you reading from a young age, very likely they will want to model what mommy or daddy is doing.  Read for fun and pleasure and show your kids what you’re reading and explain why you like to read it – for the action, adventure, the information value.   Show that reading makes you a “better” person and they’ll be inspired to tr it for themselves
4. Start a book club – You can easily start this with a few other parents.  Set a weekly meeting time with a small group of children to discuss a new book.     Don’t be afraid to check out the books or publisher’s website for reading guides or asking the local children’s librarian for some picks.  And don’t forget to bring the treats – just like a grown up book club, there’s nothing like noshing and reading.
5. Read at Bedtime – Reading at bed time is a great thing for both children and parents.  It gives you both a chance to connect quietly at the end of the day.  You can share the story and discuss the characters or consider reading a chapter book with one or two chapters a night – your kids will look forward to what happens next.   You’ll both feel relaxes and ready for shuteye when you add reading to your bedtime ritual.

And finally – a bonus tip – Let them choose – reading tends to become less exciting as children grow, but you can counter that by providing a range of suitable materials from kid-friendly magazines on their favorite subject to variety of books.   Work together to find some of child’s favorite genres – whether it’s how-to non-fiction, history, mysteries or slice of life narratives.  Don’t forget to consider comic books and graphic novels.

It’s true that books today are competing with a variety of other things for your child’s attention. Raising a good reader may seem to be a lot harder job than it once was, but it’s not an impossible task.  By exposing your children to books from a young age, you’ll create an enthusiasm for reading.   Don’t forget to lead by example and you’ll be sure to raise a good future reader.

And be sure to check out our list of great books for tweens at www.girlmogul.com our (daughter) site.