Without doubt, reading with children spells success for early literacy. Many mothers voice the same concerns that their children don't read. But the answer to this is "If you make reading to your child a part of your daily routine, it will become a habit to them, in much the same way like brushing the teeth becomes a daily activity". Some experts even say that reading and other forms of interacting with your baby actually encourage the growth of neurons in your child's brain. Rasearch proves that the most significant activity a parent can engage in with newborn babies, infants, toddlers is reading aloud to them. The cozy comfort of a Parent's voice and arms foster the love of reading books and learning in an infant. Reading books of a various genres helps to enhance the capability of the child to articulate themselves better.
Simple Tips you can follow-
1. Parents should chose books and reading materials that are highly interesting, colourful and easy to understand. The choice of books should depend on the ability and age of the child. It should be something which they can relate to
2. Set aside a regular reading time everyday. Set up a schedule,even if it just involves reading a story out loud together. Your child will look forward to getting to spend time with you and will strengthen their reading skill as well.
3. Find a comfortable place to sit and turn off any distractions like televison and cell phones.
4. Don't read when your child is irritated. Wait for the right time.
5. Be enthusiastic as you read. Show excitement, point to illustrations and let your tone change with the story. Its fun to give the characters different voices. Give your child time to look at the pictures and ask questions. When words or phrases are repeated in a story, encourage your child to say them.
6. Introduce the bookmark. Remind your child that you don't have to finish a book in one sitting.You can stop after a few pages and pick up where you left off at another time. Don't persuade your child to finish the book he or she doesn't like. Recommend putting aside the book and trying another.
7. If a child wants to hear the same story over and over again, don't worry about it. Children love familiarity and predictability of a beloved story that they know by heart. There's no harm in that. Reread old favourites and at the same time introduce your child to new stories. Your child's mind and heart have time for both.
PSHYCOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF READING
Reading to children at bed time has more benefits than being part of a routine. Books are very relaxing and give the child happy thoughts before they sleep
While a steady diet of voilent cartoons may have a detrimental effect on children's cognitive development, carefully chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on children, sensitising them toe the needs of others. For example, books can encourage children to be more co-operative, to share with others and respect the natural environment.
The next benefit of reading to your child is that the quality time spent with your child is very rewarding for both you and them. This time actually helps your child in the area of social development believe it or not. Reading is a good way to increase the communication levels between you and your children.
For any child going through a difficult time in their life, such as seperation of parents, starting a new school, the death of a loved one, bullying, or a puberty, books can be a great source of information and comfort. There may be books that your child can read at these times to help them understand what they are going through. This may help to relieve any anxiety and stress your child may feel.
Buying books may seem an extravagant preposition to many, but there are lot of bookshops that can give you good bargains, like secondhand books or book sales.
Parents can also gift books on birthdays or as rewards. Help your child start a library of his own, you don't need much space. Use a book shelf or basket. Have your child collect books and arrange them by author, by topic , or by alphabetically by title
Happy reading
To end with a quote by Strickland Gillilan
'YOU MAY HAVE TANGIBLE WEALTH UNTOLD; CASKET OF JEWELS AND COFFERS OF GOLD. RICHER THAN I YOU CAN NEVER BE.- I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ TO ME.'
