Even when Valentine’s Day festivities have passed, your family can still keep the spirit of love in the air – love for reading, that is! It’s important for children to engage in meaningful literary experiences inside and outside of the classroom, but it’s also important for them to truly enjoy the act of reading.
Instilling a love of reading early gives a child a head start on expanding vocabulary and enhancing independence. It helps children learn to make sense not only of the world around them but also the people they encounter, which builds crucial social-emotional skills and, above all, imagination. Below, we’ve outlined three ways parents can help build and support a child’s love of reading.
Make reading a part of your family’s everyday life.
Increased academic performance is certainly one of the most rewarding aspects of knowing how to read; however, there are also significant personal gains for children – quality time with family, for example. Snuggling up with a parent and listening to engaging stories is a wonderful experience that shapes your child in positive ways. In addition, if your child sees you reading, they will be more likely to pick up a book themselves.
Let them know that all reading is good reading.
Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, a kids magazine, or even a cookbook, encourage your child to read something every day. Just make sure your child is reading, reading, and reading some more!
Create a fun reading space in your home.
Nothing makes reading more fun than a comfy reading nook. Find an area in your home that can be transformed into a family reading zone. All you need are blankets, pillows, a bean bag chair and a lamp!
A passion for reading will enrich your child’s life now and long into the future. At ALLMemphis, our team works to ensure ALL students achieve a level of literacy that will help them have a successful career and live a happy, productive life. If you’re looking for a new book to introduce to your child, may we suggest our three, full-length decodable books? Click here to learn more about how our books help teach children foundational literacy skills and to order yours today.