Fostering Love for Reading at Home

“I think it's the books that you read when you're young that live with you forever.” – J.K. Rowling

How can we encourage our children to become avid readers?

Developing a passion for literature and getting children interested in reading at a young age can have a profound impact on their future learning abilities. Their cognitive skills, language proficiency, and imagination are enhanced, paving the way for lifelong learning and academic success. They also develop better language and communication skills. Reading also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also igniting imaginations and creativity. In addition, a passion for reading can foster a desire to learn, which can lead to academic success and a deeper understanding of the world.

So, when should parents introduce reading to their children? In reality, there is no universally prescribed age at which one should start their literacy journey.

Children learn a lot of words every day through conversations with their family members. Nonetheless, books and stories introduce them to a diverse range of vocabulary that may not necessarily be utilized in their daily language. So, introducing picture books or reading out stories to them at an early age can be very beneficial.

Top schools in Karur know how to prioritise and promote the habit of reading among young children. These schools recognise the importance of reading in a child's development and aim to instill a love for reading from an early age. They employ various strategies such as interactive storytelling sessions, well-stocked libraries, and engaging reading programs to foster a love of books and literature in young minds.

If you are an eager parent longing to pave the way for your child's literary exploration, here are some valuable tips:

  • For young children, include reading into their daily schedule so that it becomes a habit. The ideal time is just before their bedtime. Reading at bedtime is a great way for them to wind down and relax.
  • Discover their preferences and purchase books accordingly. Make sure the books are accessible to them; having too many could overwhelm them. Instead, maintain a small quantity at a level that is easy to reach.
  • Allow them to choose what they want to read and how much reading they want to do each day. Pushing them too hard can cause them to develop a hatred for reading. If they desire to read the same book again, allow them to do so.
  • Do not judge. Broaden your opinion of what counts as a good book to read; it could be a joke book or a puzzle book too.
  • Nowadays, it appears that children have become addicted to smartphones, iPads, and other devices. While we cannot completely prevent them from using these devices, we can set a time limit for this. If screen time is utilized for other beneficial purposes, set a time limit, which will provide them with extra time to read.
  • Lead by example. Watching you read as a parent will surely inspire your children to read too. Let them know that reading is part of your life by reading in front of them. If possible, have a cosy and comfortable space in your house just for reading.
  • It's a good idea to take your children to the library periodically to expose them to books. Discuss books with them whenever you have the chance.
  • Together, watch movies that are based on books. Pack a few books when you go on vacation.
  • To maintain your children's interest in reading, ask them a lot of open-ended questions before and after reading a book.

It's easy for anyone to develop the habit of reading. Reading is a rewarding experience for both adults and children, and the earlier we allow our children to experience it, the better it will be for them.