Ways You Can Help Your Child Learn that Reading is Fun
Some ways you can help your child learn that reading is fun:
1. Let your child choose the book. Even if it’s the same book every time!
2. Let your child hold the book and turn the pages. Let him set the pace according to his own interest and attention.
3. Let your child “read” the book in his own way. You don’t have to finish the book at one sitting and you don’t have to read every word on the page!
4. Let your child show you what he’s interested in. After you read one page, wait silently. Let your child tell you what he is thinking about the story and the illustrations.
1. Let your child choose the book. Even if it’s the same book every time!
2. Let your child hold the book and turn the pages. Let him set the pace according to his own interest and attention.
3. Let your child “read” the book in his own way. You don’t have to finish the book at one sitting and you don’t have to read every word on the page!
4. Let your child show you what he’s interested in. After you read one page, wait silently. Let your child tell you what he is thinking about the story and the illustrations.
When you make book reading a time for conversation and cuddling, your child will learn to love reading, have a better understanding of the story, and have an opportunity to practice important skills of listening and speaking.
The Hanen Centre (a charitable organization that supports parents, teachers, and SLPs to promote children’s language and literacy development) has more information on reading with children to develop language skills. Follow this link to learn about choosing the right books, and be sure to check out their ‘Helpful Info’ tab to learn more about your child’s speech and language development.