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Kids can start developing good reading habits at home even before they learn to read. Here are eight simple tips to help you raise a reader.
1. Make reading a daily habit.
From the day your newborn comes home, you can start raising a reader. Babies respond to the soothing rhythm of a voice reading aloud, as well as to being cuddled on a warm lap. If you make reading part of your daily routine, your child is likely to grow up looking forward to it.
2. Read in front of your child.
Whether you love books, magazines, or graphic novels, let your child see you reading. Kids learn from what they observe. If you’re excited about reading, your child is likely to catch your enthusiasm.
3. Create a reading space.
Your reading space doesn’t have to be big or have a lot of bookshelves. It can be a corner of the couch or a chair in the room where your child sleeps. Picking a comfy spot that has enough light and room to keep a book or two can help your child connect reading with coziness and comfort.
4. Take trips to the library.
The library is a great place to explore new books and authors for free. Many libraries also have story hours or other literacy programs for kids. Trips to the library give your child a chance to develop good reading habits and to see other kids doing the same thing.
5. Let your child pick what to read.
That trip to the library can be extra special when you give your child time to look around and explore. Kids are more likely to want to read something they pick out themselves. If you’re concerned about finding the right reading level or topic, give your child a section of books to choose from.
6. Find reading moments in everyday life.
Reading isn’t just about sitting down with a good book. It’s a part of daily life, too. As you go through your day, help your child keep an eye out for “reading moments.” They may be as simple as reading road signs, grocery lists, or recipes.
7. Re-read favorite books.
You might get tired of reading the same story over and over again, but your child may love it. Kids like to spot things they missed the first time in the story or in the pictures. Re-reading also gives them a chance to connect the words they see on the page with the words they hear. Eventually, your child might even start reading the book to you.
8. Learn more about how kids read.
You may not be a teacher, but you are your child’s first teacher. Knowing a little bit about what reading skills to expect at different ages can help you support your child’s reading.