There is plenty of research available that outlines the importance of reading in early education. Parents often know their children should develop good reading habits–but how do you foster these skills?
If you are a parent, you might know that reading has a wide range of benefits. But how can parents get children to enjoy reading when there are video games, the internet, and many other distractions everywhere you go?
Getting children to read–let alone love reading–can sometimes seem impossible. However, making small changes starting in early childhood can set children up for a lifelong love of reading.
This article will explore some of the small, everyday things you can do to foster a love of reading. These things may not take a lot of time, but they can have a huge impact on your child’s attitude toward reading.
One of the most impactful things you can do as a parent is to find an early learning program that focuses on literacy. New Horizons Learning Center offers a range of early learning programs that can help children develop essential early reading skills. Contact our educators to learn more or to schedule a site visit. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
How to Foster a Love of Reading in Children
Studies show that children who enjoy reading often have better educational outcomes and more future opportunities. While many parents understand that reading is essential, they may not always know how to help their child love to read.
Here are some simple but powerful things you can do to foster your child’s love of reading.
Read together
Children develop a love of reading when they have warm, happy memories attached to early reading experiences. Making time to read aloud before bed each night can help your child associate reading with feelings of comfort, happiness, and safety.
Choose simple books your child enjoys and read them over and over again. Add new books as time goes on. When your child is ready, pick up a simple chapter book and read a chapter each night. Your child will learn that reading isn’t a chore–it’s a pleasure.
Model a love of reading
Parents are the best role models for their children’s reading behaviors. Think about how you can model good reading habits at an early age. Do you read for pleasure? If you do, model that behavior. Let your child “catch” you engrossed in a great book. Talk about what you are reading at the dinner table or in the car. Tell your family something you learned by reading.
If you do not read for pleasure, start right away. Read anything–a book, newspaper, magazine, etc. Show your child that reading is not just something you do at school but an enjoyable part of life.
Visit the library often
Make it a habit to visit your local library whenever possible. Get your child a library card and teach them how to check out their own books. Make this a regular event in your home, and get excited about reading the books your child selected.
You don’t have to limit your library time to check out books. Attend story time events and other activities your library offers. Check to see if your library has a children’s book club.
Don’t limit
Parents may feel pressured to get their children to read certain books. Toss out this idea. All reading materials are good. Encourage your child to read books, comics, newspapers, magazines, and anything else they want. Don’t focus on getting your child to read the “right” books. All reading is great reading!
Make it cozy
Create a special area of your home to transform into a cozy reading nook. You don’t have to dedicate an entire room to reading. You can turn any area into a special reading spot.
Consider adding a small chair or cushion to your child’s room with a blanket and a special light. Giving your child a special place to read will make reading time so much more memorable and enjoyable.
Let your child read to you
Open up a familiar book and ask if they want to “read” to you instead. You may be surprised at how much fun your child has with this grown-up task–and how much they remember about the stories they’ve heard.
Or, find simple picture books and ask your child to describe what they think is happening in the story. This can boost creativity, problem-solving, and other essential skills–and it’s a lot of fun!
Make books accessible
One of the most important ways to foster a child’s love of reading is to simply have reading materials in your home. Put books and magazines out where your child can access them. Place baskets or bins of books in the living room and bedroom–you can even put books in the bathroom!
The more reading materials you have around, the more likely your child will explore them. You do not have to buy new books. Check them out at the library, buy them at second hand stores, or browse little free libraries in your neighborhood.
Learn More
Contact the educators at New Horizons to learn more about fostering a love of reading during the early years. Explore our high-quality early learning programs or schedule a tour of our learning center by getting in touch today.
