Encouraging Reading

Whether you are a homeschooling parent, or simply one who wants to take an active part in shaping your child's education, there's no doubt that getting kids to read on a regular basis can be a challenge. Here's a little secret that can help your children look forward to reading, in the same way they look forward to watching their favorite shows on television or playing the latest video games...

Avoid putting performance pressure on to read more or master those challenging words faster. Instead, focus on the pleasures of the imagination that go hand-in-hand with a lifelong love of reading. Here's how:

1. Make the library a fun part of your regular routine.

The first step in taking the pressure off is to naturally work reading into your family routine, just as you do other aspects of life such as meal times, school, outdoor play, and visits to Grandma's house. Take weekly trips to the library, checking out books for each member of the family including yourself. Give your children the freedom to select titles that appeal to their interests, their sense of humor.

2. Include storytime as a daily or bedtime ritual.

Children who read recreationally every day end up getting the practice they need to excel at reading and writing in school. So read to and with your children every day - whether it's a half hour in the afternoon, or one or two bedtime stories before you tuck them in at night. Let your child choose his or her favorite stories, and add new titles to the mix every so often. Make storytime a fun learning game. Have your son or daughter sound out some words, or read a page on his or her own. Emphasize and practice letter sounds as you read. When your child gets a word right, give an enthusiastic, "Right-on!"

3. Keep TV time to a minimum, add books to the entertainment mix.

Let your kids know from the start that television is to be a highlight, not the entire focus, of their hours spent at home. But don't do it in an overly-restrictive way; instead, have them select one or two favorite shows to watch each day, or maybe just 4 or 5 shows per week. When their shows aren't on, keep the television switched off, and feed them a regular diet of books, comics and children's magazines to enjoy right along with toys, games and art supplies. When casually offered as "just another form of entertainment," books take on a new fascination of their own.

4. Tell them they're allowed to stay up a little later if they're reading.

Studies have shown that the brain tends to better absorb and recall the last thing you were doing or thinking about before you fell asleep. This is why it makes sense to read before bedtime. For older children (say, age 8 or 9) who may be growing out of their old bedtime, present them with a new opportunity: they get to stay up half an hour later as long as they're reading in bed. If you don't feel that little ones are ready for a later bedtime, simply make bedtime a half an hour earlier than you normally would, and then fill that extra time with storybook reading.

5. Give kids their own spot on the bookshelf.

Children who grow up in "reading families" are more likely to embrace reading as a pleasurable, lifelong pastime. Not only can you help to reinforce a love of reading by telling them, "We love books and reading in our family!" but you can also give them "pride of book ownership." Offer kids their own spot on the family bookshelf - preferably, on a lower shelf where they can easily see their favorite titles. Make exploring the family bookshelf a regular event that every member of the household enjoys. Encourage your children to return their books to the family bookshelf when they've finished reading.

6. Raise the level of reading challenge every so often.

Many children have favorite stories that he or she never seems to tire of. Even so, the best way to improve your child's reading ability is to refresh the book supply with advanced level titles. Thicker books with smaller print frequently offer more elaborate plots that delight and excite children beyond the usual Dr. Seuss. Keep a few thicker books on the shelf along with the old favorites, then pull these books out when you want to challenge their spelling and reading skills. Take turns - you read aloud, then let your child have a crack at it as you coach.

Remember, getting your child to look forward to reading doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. Instead of approaching reading as a "dreaded chore" that kids must suffer through, or an obstacle that stands in the way of them doing what they really want - simply make reading part of their daily intake. Introduce them to the magic of storytelling, and encourage them on the path to knowledge and discovery.