How to Read to a Child

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By josettedupres
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mother son reading

Learning to read and watching my Mother read to me as a child is a memory I will always treasure. Reading to a child allows you quality bonding time with a child, and the child gets to learn from you while you read.

Follow the tips below and gather a few of your favorite books and read to a child today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Books
A child
An ability to read

Step 1

mother and daughter

Know that it's never too early to read to a child. Many parents read to their children while they are growing in the Mother's womb. A baby's mind develops rapidly in it's early years, so never put off reading to a child, even a newborn baby, whenever the opportunity arises.
Step 2

mother and son reading

Reading to a child need not take up loads of time. Setting aside just 15 minutes a day for reading can make an incredible difference in a child's reading development. Turn off the TV, make sure cell phones are turned off and pick the quietest room in the house to read to a child. After you have established your 15 minutes of reading time for a few weeks, discuss with your child whether he/she would like to add 5 minutes to your reading time. Getting your child to look forward to reading is the key to a child developing good reading habits.
Step 3

Stop by a bookstore and pick up a few small books. Smaller children like to hold onto these books, they are made for their little hands. Many bookstores offer these small books on their discount racks for $1.99 and $2.99. Find books that have plenty of pictures in them - reading is the object of this exercise, but associating a picture of a duck with the word "duck" helps a child's mind to make the very important connection of visualization of what is being read to them.
Step 4

comic books

Pick out books to read that have something to do with your child's special interests, but do not limit yourself to just their interests. Books are a great way to introduce a child to something new and different.
Step 5

child reading

As the parent, take turns reading to each other. Read to a child, but if the child is old enough to read, have them read the book back to you. This provides interaction on your child's part and keeps them involved in the reading process after hearing you read the book.
Step 6

library books

Take your child to the Community Library and/or the bookstore along with you when you pick up some books to read. Get your child a Community Library card. This will allow them to borrow books to read, and teach the child the responsibility of returning library books. Many book stores have special days when they have authors of children's books come to their store to read and sign books. Take advantage of these moments to get your child involved in reading.
Step 7

newspaper

Don't forget to show your child how to read by using a magazine, a newspaper or even a label to food items. Reading is such an important part of living, the sooner you introduce your child to reading, the easier life may be for them to live.