Learning to read can be a challenging adventure for some children. And, sometimes, it just takes them a while to find a love for it. We struggled to get my oldest to love reading and, now that we’ve found what he likes to read, he’s doesn’t stop!
If you find yourself in the same predicament, you have to learn to take the pressure of reading off your child. You want to make sure that reading is enjoyable for them, not a chore. If we as parents can find ways to make reading fun and enjoyable, our children will be more willing to sit down and read a book together, or even cozy up with a good book on their own.
If your child is showing little interest in reading, trust me, there is hope. Here are a few ideas you can do to make reading fun for your child.
Popcorn Reading. This is a fun way for a child to be able to read the words he or she knows and pass on the words that are causing frustration. While reading a book together, each of you take a turn reading aloud. When the one who is reading says the word “popcorn,” it is the other person’s turn to read.
Reading Buddy. Does your early reader have an older sibling? Pair them up to be reading buddies! Let them read to each other. This is a bonus because they both get reading time in!
Flashlight Reading. Before your child is too tired at the end of the day, take some time and read in dark room. Take a flashlight with you and read the book by flashlight. Little boys especially like this one. Maybe even make a reading fort! Or better yet…
Reading Corner. Make a “reading corner” somewhere in your home. Let your child be a part of decorating it and picking just the right spot to place it. Add some bean bags or pillows, maybe a favorite poster on the wall or even some family pictures. I always had a reading corner growing up. I would pile up with my books and pillows and spend hours reading.
Star of the Story. Have you ever seen a personalized story book in which your child’s name is printed in the story? This is a unique way to get your reluctant reader excited about a book. In these kinds of books, your child’s name and the name of his/her friends are printed in the story-line, making your child the star of his/her very own book! How motivating is that? He/she will have to read the book to find out what kind of adventure he/she will be going on! Check out these from KD Novelties.
