How to Get Kids To Enjoy Reading

For any parent with a little one learning to read, it can be a challenge to keep the bundle of joy interested. In a world where kids are bombarded by video and audio stimulation-reading can, be a down right drag to some kids. The trick is to help them "see" and "hear" the story, not just to read the words.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A child (is preferred, but maybe you know an adult who is too stubborn to pick up a book.)
• A fascinating children's book at the appropriate age level, (if you are not sure what books are in what level, stop at your local library for assistance.)
• A sense of humor
• Patience
• YOUR Imagination

1. Guess what time it is? Set up a time to read.
   Putting aside time to read is probably the most important step, if ample time is not allowed the lesson can be rushed, brushed off, or will not get the proper attention it needs. I suggest for a small children's book approximately 20-30 minutes. If you are reading the book to your child and it takes you 5 minutes, you may not be stimulating them properly.
2. Select the right book.
   Help your child select a book they think they may like. If your child has special interests like a sport or hobby, try to find a book to match those. Remember if you do not have anything at home, your local library is a gold mine of great stories.
3. Get comfy.
   Find a location where your child will not be distracted, where your child will feel comfortable, and where you have enough room to be a little silly.
4. Get Settled In and Begin Your Journey.
   Get settled in and start reading with and to your child. If you are reading to your child act it out, right down to changing your voice and adding proper emphasis. Make sure to be very descriptive with the scenery. I like to have the child close or her eyes in different parts where I can stop from reading and describe the scene around them, sounds, sights, and smells! If your child is doing the reading, pause him or her to take a moment to perform the above exercise. I found that by helping them see the big picture and feel it too, they were more entertained and more likely to enjoy the experience.
5. Experiment
   Of course what works for your child depends on your child. Experiment with different methods, but remember, books have to compete with TV, movies, video games, and even computers in today's world. Think dynamic, think simplistic, and think fun. Catch their attention while they are young, and pretty soon they may be acting out stories for you!

Tips & Warnings

• Be confident, you have been reading a long time, you are the expert.
• Be sure to pick material that is interesting and age appropriate.
• Books with pictures are great, but try experiment with books that do not have pictures so you can help your child imagine the setting!
• Any extras, (like props, a guitar, a snack while reading,)can go a long way.
• Have fun, and do not forget to back up your lessons with some educational programming like "Reading Rainbow."
• As you get better at performing and story telling, your little one may bug you for more reading time!
• Remember that disliking reading may not be the real reason your child does not read, a difficulty with reading such as dyslexia may be the cause. Be sure to seek professional support.