How to Raise a Book-Lover

Ten tips to help you bring up a book lover!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lots of books
• Lots of patience

1. Create Reading Rituals. Read together every day - start when your child is in the womb if possible. If not, start as soon as he or she is born. Let your child know that reading is important to you. Make reading an enjoyable time for your child each and every day, even if it's only for five minutes.

2. Get close. Cuddle with your child during reading time. Not only will this make reading time more enjoyable for the both of you, it will also create a sense of security that comes along with reading time - something very beneficial for your child.

3. Provide sound effects. Use silly voices and be very animated when reading to your child, to keep them interested in the story. Hearing different sounds helps your child develop better listening skills.

4. Make connections. Help your child connect the words you are reading to the words he or she is hearing. Follow along with your finger and point out pictures in the book.

5. Talk about it. Ask your child open-ended questions like "What do you think will happen next?". This not only keeps your child involved in the story, but keeps you on your toes because you have to listen to their answers.

6. Read it again. Children LOVE to hear their favorite stories over, and over, and over again. This will help them recognize and remember the words of the story. They love to become familiar with the story, because it gives them more confidence about reading. Let them "read" the story to you after they think they have learned it.

7. Be creative. Even if you are too tired to hold a book and turn the pages, you can still tell a story. Make one up, and involve your child - let them pick what should happen next.

8. Most importantly, follow your child's pace. Don't push your child to read beyond his or her ability. Do not get frustrated if they don't learn to read as quickly as you did, or your friend's child did, or as quickly as you expect them to. Every child learns at a different pace. Encourage your child's reading and make a big deal out of it when he or she does well.

[pixiemama]

on 10/9/2008 i do this with my child and it really works