A concerning report released in 2020 revealed that kids are reading less than ever before, with many children preferring tablets over books. As a parent of a preschooler or a toddler, the chances are that you’re looking for ways to get your child to improve their reading skills - after all, you want them to go on to become curious, intelligent people. A British Cohort Study from the 70s found children who read more before the age of five had an improved vocabulary, spelling, and mathetics skills than those who didn’t read regularly. It pays to start them young and ensure they’re developing their comprehension skills from an early age.
Below, we’ve put together some simple tips for developing your child’s reading skills…
Buy them books
Perhaps the most obvious piece of advice we can give you is to buy your children books from a young age and make sure they’re easily accessible at home. You don’t have to break the bank: you can pick up great secondhand children’s books from charity shops and car boot sales. Surrounding your child with books in their bedroom and living room will give them more of an incentive to pick up a book and start reading - even if they’re only looking at the pictures right now. Sure, iPads offer endless apps and are full of free kids cartoons and games, but you can’t beat settling down in bed on an evening reading your favourite story.
Schedule some reading time
Finding some time to sit down and read with your children can be a great way to spend quality time together, and improve their reading and comprehension skills. Depending on the age and abilities of your child, you could even ask them to read back to you, or perform a chapter each and introduce funny voices and character traits to build the story. When they read aloud, make sure you’re patient, give them time to read each word, and help them when they get stuck. It’s also worth asking them questions about the book when you’re finished - talk about the characters, the lessons you’ve learned, and what could happen next.
Head to a library
Another great way to introduce your children to the joys of reading is to take them to your local library. Not only can you take out books for free, but your children will have hours of fun exploring the different titles available. What’s more, many libraries and community centres run reading clubs and fun activities for little ones, often hiring actors to perform live shows. It’s also worth asking about the other services your library offers - as well as free internet access, many allow you to take out audiobooks, DVDs, and interactive reading games.
Do your own reading
Kids learn from their parents, so if you’re nagging your children to read for half an hour before they go to sleep, why not do the same to set the right example? If your little ones see you picking up a book, perhaps on a rainy Sunday afternoon or when you’re travelling at the airport, they’ll follow suit. Have conversations with them about your own books - sure, you’re not going to read George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four to a three-year-old, but you can discuss the characters and explain to them why you like the story. Your kids will soon learn the importance of reading and how it can offer some excitement, humour, and escapism.
Consider read-along books
Although nothing can beat opening a new book and turning the pages, for kids, interactive video books can serve as a good introduction. At Everything’s Rosie, we’ve put together a number of kid’s read-along books designed to help your little ones learn how to read. Explore a whole host of fun adventures like a mini beast safari, stargazing and snow days!
Do you have any tips for helping little ones learn to read? Let us know and check back soon to the Everything’s Rosie blog for lots more tips for parents, guardians, and schools.