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Reading for the joy of it
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Parents play an important role in cultivating a reading habit amongst children
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HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE A book should be chosen according to the child's age level and interests
"My daughter does not want to read," exclaims the mother of seven-year-old Kirti. "I have tried everything but she seems to avoid the mere mention of reading a book." Most parents are definitely concerned when their child shows a lack of interest to read. When both parent and child read a book together, a close bonding takes place and reading becomes an enjoyable experience for the child. She feels safe and secure in the arms of a loved one, her imagination is stimulated and her mother's or fathers comforting voice turns the experience of reading into a positive one. An experience she would like to repeat. This is where the joy of reading begins.
Here's what you can do to encourage your child to read:
Right reading experience
Reading should not be merely the reading out of words. It should be interactive. Your child should not only be listening to the story but also questioning, arguing and discussing. You can point to the pictures, have her trace words with her finger, repeat descriptions, talk about the colours and even mimic characters. Sound effects and facial expressions add punch and emphasis to your story.
Set a good example
Children are terrific mimics. If they see how much you enjoy reading a book, it is very likely that they will soon imitate you. It's no good if you tell them about all the reasons why they should be reading. When they watch you, they get curious to know how the book is capable of holding your attention for so long.
A special reading place
Nobody can read without the correct atmosphere. Select a place in your house that is comfortable and free from distraction. Make it comfortable for the child and also make it attractive. You can put down a colourful mat accompanied with bright cushions. A good bookshelf with plenty of good books to read makes for the perfect reading nook your child might be looking for.
Choose the right book
Parents make the common mistake of buying books that are above the intellectual level of the child and then coaxing them to read it. Find out the interest of your child. Chose a simple book appropriate to his age level and then introduce the book to the child. The book should be well written, grammatically correct and should largely consist of life experiences that your child can identify with. Later when they are older your can get them more imaginative books. The expression used in the books should contain rich imagery and should leave the child with as many questions as answers.
Join the local library
The local library can be a place where parent and child can spend sometime together. They also may have more imaginative ways of displaying a book. All the latest children's books may be on display. Here is a good chance to teach your child about the responsibility of borrowing and returning the book on time. It also teaches them about commitment.
Movie magic
Movies that are based on book are a good way to help your child compare and contrast what he sees on screen and what he reads in print. Ensure that the movies he watches and the books he reads have at least one or more positive role models to emulate. Abridged versions of classics can be watched on screen and also read. Help your child discuss the characters he liked or disliked in the book. This will definitely give him an insight into human nature to a certain extent.
By encouraging your child to read, you are helping him engage in an activity that involves the usage of both the hemispheres of his brain. The right hemisphere for imagination and the left for tracking words.
Reading a book is a holistic experience, an experience that will most definitely open their hearts and minds to the wonderful world around them.
FIONA SCOTT
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