In order to capture a child's interest, you first need to develop the habit of reading - Start by reading aloud to them. I have always tried to make my 'read aloud' interesting by making different voices or accents for each character. I find that reading in different tones and volumes engages and keeps kids interested in the book you are reading. I have always imagined a book as a movie, sometimes there are long drawn out parts, sometimes there are loud quick parts. I enjoy reading aloud with feeling and emotion. Kids have loved the different reading styles and honestly I know I am a good at reading aloud because kids (and several parents who have heard me) tell me all the time.
At home we read scriptures in the morning, sometimes just Chad or I will do the reading while the kids are eating breakfast and the other is making lunches - and sometimes we will take turns reading. It is a great way to start the day and get kids minds thinking before the school day starts.
Reading is a great way to relax and unwind. When I was in the library or substitute teaching at Zaharis it was nice that the atmosphere during read aloud was one where students felt comfortable lounging, relaxing and listening to the different stories that I would read. Just after lunch recess when kids are trying to cool off and needing a few moments to get back into the learning mentality, reading was the perfect solution.
My kids have also really enjoyed going to the public libraries. More as they were younger, but even being a big kid there are so many exciting things at a library.
Reading is also so great to do as part of the bedtime routine. Chad started just telling the boys 'SCARY STORIES' when they were little. These were mini adventures he would make up and they would cary over to the next night. It was adorable to watch the boys anxiously await their dads nightly visits in their bedroom snuggling up with them and setting them off to drift off on their own adventures in their dreams.
The earlier you expos children to reading the better.
With the precious time we have to spend time with our children, it is important to put a premium on reading aloud.
This is why…..
- It provides entertainment and information
- It models the process of reading
- It exposes children to the sound of written language
- It motivates children to become readers, as they find satisfaction and joy in the reading experience.
- It develops language skills
- Children hear and identify patterns and rhymes
- Children hear and understand different kinds of sentence structures.
- It broadens vocabulary
- It stimulates the child's ability to listen, think, and speak.
- It develops an appreciation for words and writing
- It develops children's words and writing.
- It develops children's writing ability and their understanding of how stories are constructed
- It creates and opportunity to discuss topics and feelings that may not be broached otherwise
- It allows children to engage with literature, which is at a level they can understand, but unavailable to them on their own.
- It helps to develop life-long readers.
- It creates a bond between reader and listener.
