Let’s face it, times are changing. Kids are now growing up with a tablet between their fingers, swiping away at a screen. It seems like the days when kids went outside with a tower of books in their hands are long gone… but not if we can do something about it. Reading is incredibly beneficial, especially for kids; it improves concentration and aids in the development of the young brain. Plus, according to a New York Times article, kids who read over the summer lose fewer skills than kids who don’t. So, let’s not let this practice get lost within the next generations. Here are a few ways you can help your kids rediscover the magic of reading.
Join them!
Retrieved from: http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/10-books-that-teach-kids-to-be-mindful-of-themselves-and-others
Whether you read your own books, or join them reading theirs, dedicate specific time of the day to reading. Gather some blankets, pillows, and books and lay outside under the warm summer sun alongside your kids. Kids learn by example, so by seeing you invested in your own reading, they will be motivated to do the same. At the end of the day, encourage conversation about what they read. Keep the information fresh in their minds; this will make them look forward to the next reading time.
Help them find books that suit their interests!
Retrieved from: http://www.momjunction.com/articles/fun-reading-activities-for-kids_00381512/
One of the most common phrases kids say about literatures is: “reading is boring.” Help debunk this myth by looking for books related to their current interests. If your kid is going through a dinosaur phase, look for some books about dinosaurs or the Mesozoic Era. This will make reading seamless, interesting, and fun!
Use Books/Reading as Rewards!
As a little extra incentive to motivate reading, let kids stay up an extra half hour to read or praise them with new books. Take a trip to the library to commend good behavior and let them pick out any book they want. You will slowly begin to instill this idea that reading is a good and time worthy activity.
Retrieved from: http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/reading-to-kids/
It’s time you help your kids get lost in books. If you don’t know where to start, The Magic Tree House book series treats a variety of interests and is sure to keep your kids wanting more.
Isabella Arteaga