The Books Your Kids Really Want
Being able to read is one of the most important skills a person will ever have, and one of the best ways to help your child learn is by tapping into topics that they are interested in. Some children will have very specific interests from an early age, so if you are able to facilitate their interests you may be helping them develop a love that they carry through into their adult life. The following are some great ways to make sure that your child is reading books that they love.
Talk To Your Child About Books
Don’t just read to your child, ask them what they think about the stories you are reading them. You may be the only one who enjoys the books that you are reading, so be sure your child is enjoying them too by spending some time at the end of each reading session finding out if your child is actually interested in the book. If your child is constantly distracted and not listening while you are trying to read to them, it may not be that they have an attention disorder and simply that they don’t find your choice of books particularly interesting.
The Five Finger Test
To tell if a book is the right level for your child to read, do a test and have them pick a page at random and try and read it out loud to you. Each time they come across a word that they cannot read or otherwise comprehend, get them to raise a finger. If they get to five fingers before they have finished the page, the book is too hard for them to read just yet and you should get them an easier book to read.
Pick Out Books Together
Rather than picking out books for your child, next time you go to the library or bookstore, let your child pick out books that they want to read. It may take a while for them to make their selections so be patient and encourage them to pick books that they are interested in. The first time you give your child the option of choosing their own books they may make some weird and wonderful choices, though unless the book isn’t appropriate for children their age, let them get the books that they have chosen. They may not like the book when it comes to actually reading it, though they will feel more excited about a book that they have chosen rather than one they have had imposed upon them.
Get Them A Library Card
It is important to encourage your child to be reading, though this doesn’t mean you have to spending a fortune on books. Get your child their own library card for your local library so they can have a wide choice of books that they can be reading for free. Often local libraries will have programs and activities to help encourage young readers, such as reading time or literacy games, so your child will be able to learn to read as well as meet other kids at the same time. Your local library also likely has the most up to date and effective educational resources in your area.