Reading is an essential skill that helps children learn and grow. It is integral to their cognitive development, communication skills, and overall knowledge. However, some children may find reading to be a chore. If your child is struggling to enjoy reading, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The good news is that there are ways to make reading fun for early readers. Here are ten tips you might find handy!
Let them choose their own books
Kids are more likely to enjoy reading if they’re allowed to select their own books. So, instead of deciding for them, encourage them to choose materials that pique their interest. Visit your local library or bookstore and let your child browse the shelves. If they’re struggling to find something they like, ask a librarian or bookseller for recommendations.
Make it interactive
Reading doesn’t have to be a passive activity. Try to make it fun and interactive! Get involved by asking questions about the story, acting out scenes, or making sound effects. This will help keep your child’s attention focused and make the experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Try to explore different spots for reading
Reading in the same spot every day can get boring. So, mix things up by reading in different places around your house or outdoors.
For example, you can change up your bedtime reading a bit and build an indoor tent where you can read in the dark with a flashlight. Or, you can read under a tree in your backyard on a sunny day.
Create a special reading nook
Consider creating a cozy reading nook for your child if you have the space. Stock it with their favorite books, comfy pillows, and a blanket. Make it as peaceful and relaxing as possible. This will help turn reading into a special treat.
Read aloud together
Sharing a book with your child is a great way to bond with them and make reading fun. Not to mention, it can also help improve their literacy skills. When you read aloud together, point out words on the page and talk about the story as you go along. You can also encourage them to practice their pronunciation while you’re reading.
Incorporate art and crafts
Another great way to make reading fun for early readers is to incorporate art and crafts into the activity. Consider setting up an art station where you can combine reading with creative expression. Then, while you tackle a book, you can have them draw pictures of their favorite characters or scenes from the book. Or, you can help them create homemade props and costumes that they can use when acting out stories.
Play phonemic awareness games
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. It’s a crucial skill for early readers as it helps them with decoding skills.
You can play several games to help develop your child’s phonemic awareness. One popular game is called “I Spy.” To play, you’ll need to choose an object and say its initial sound aloud. For example, if you choose the word “hat,” you would say “I spy with my little eye something that starts with /h/.” Then, your child will have to guess what the object is.
Use rhymes and songs
Singing nursery rhymes and songs is another great way to make reading fun for early readers. Not only is it enjoyable, but it can also help with their phonemic awareness skills.
There are tons of great nursery rhymes and children’s songs that you can sing together. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of your old favorite Childhood classics like “Old McDonald Had a Farm” or “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Make it a family affair
Finally, one of the best ways to make reading fun for early readers is to make it a family affair. Create a tradition of reading together as a family every night before bed. Or, have a weekly family read-aloud session where everyone takes turns reading a few pages from their current book.
Not only will this make reading more fun for your child, but it will also help instill a love of reading in them that will last a lifetime.
Reading doesn’t have to feel like a chore because there are certainly many ways to make reading fun for your early readers! So get out there and start reading with your little ones today!