Why are some children attracted to books and some children prefer reading as the last thing to do? Do you wonder why? Do you think that some children are just not inclined to read because they are very active, have perhaps different interests and temperaments? That is simply a myth!
“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” ~Frank Serafini
The love of books can be sparked in each and every child! Their interests, activities and inclinations would be aids for helping you choose the right books rather than a deterrent to reading! There is definitely at least one book out there to transform every reluctant little reader into a little book lover! And igniting this spark is one of the best things you can do for your child.
By learning to read, children acquire the key to unlock the inexhaustible world of knowledge, learning, imagination and fun! We can't talk enough about the numerous benefits of reading.
So, how can you help your child develop a lifelong relationship with books?
“You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than you can never be. I had a mother who read to me.” ~Strickland Gillian
Read to Your Child
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” ~Emilie Buchwald
This is absolutely true! The love for books begins early on when children sit on their parents' laps and listen to bedtime stories! The simple act has a profound effect on them. A warm cuddle, a loving voice and a book with colourful illustrations! A story that perhaps jogs the minds or perhaps lulls them to sleep, a book with which they learn, discover, explore or perhaps just embrace. What’s not to love?
When I look back at my early childhood, I have fond memories of nagging my grandpa for stories before bedtime. I loved listening to his soft voice as he transported me into the stories… some of them even continued in my dreams! Looking back, I am not sure when exactly I developed a love for reading, but I remembering devouring books, comics, magazines and whatever I could get my hands on! I associated books with warmth, comfort and a way to immerse myself into something wonderful.
Make this loving, learning experience part of your child's routine and watch an innate love for books flourish.
Research recommends starting young. Babies can be introduced to touch and feel books, board books with pictures of everyday things and pop up books. As they grow into toddlerhood, introduce rhyme books or simple stories with repetitive words or phrases. They start recognising these words quickly and it helps them get excited about reading.
Children enjoy books about things they like. I once met a little boy who pored over car magazines for hours! You can spark their curiosity to know more about their specific interest by getting books around it.
Read Yourself:
"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.” ~Anonymous
Children love to copy their parents. If they see you reading regularly, they are bound to follow. So show them that reading is important to you. Sit down on a comfortable chair with your favourite book or magazine and invite your child to do the same. Don’t be disappointed if they don’t follow you immediately. one day you will be surprised to see your child sitting just like you, if not reading yet, at least enjoying the pictures!
Create a Bookshelf:
“A house without books is like a room without windows.” ~Heinrich Mann
Do you have a bookshelf with bright and lovely books to attract your child? If not, do create this special space! It is never too late or too early to create a book nook for your child. I have the joy of knowing a 2-year-old boy who loves books. He has a big bookshelf with colourful books that outnumber the collection of an average grown up! Give flight to their wings with this wonderful corner of imagination and learning. Give them a window to the world!
Fun Outings
- Take your child to the children’s library. Let your child enjoy the act of picking out a book. Children will be more eager to read the books they pick themselves.
- Take them to storytelling sessions. Let them enjoy the act of listening to a story with other children.
Very soon, your child will be demanding more such outings!
Personalised Books
“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.” ~Kate DiCamillo
So present them this precious gift literally with a personalised book!
Personalised books are a unique way to spark children’s interest in reading by putting them right at the heart of the story! From my own experience, I found that children tend to remember everything about this special book just a little bit more! They retain new words, absorb the learnings and messages from the story and experience it more keenly. In short, it helps magnify two-fold, all the wonderful benefits of reading books! A good personalised book can bring joyful smiles to the most reluctant little reader!
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ~Stephen King
Help your child discover this magic! Foster the love for reading and when in doubt, trust that there is surely a special story out there to spark your child!
KSP Team
Mansi Zaveri
