Reading With Children

Reading is very important. It is not only important to children, it is important for every individual on earth. Reading helps one to become an informed citizen, to succeed in one's chosen career, and to have a better personal fulfillment.

Reading aloud is a time-honored tradition between parents and children, especially in their formative years. This will have lifelong impact on the child's learning experiences, developmental progress, and even social interaction skills later in life. For example, even during infancy children are able to pick up on things as complex and subtle as the intonation in their parents' voices.


Reading to your child is also a great way for a parent and child to spend time together, especially at the end of a hectic day.

Children who read well do better in other subjects and in all aspects of schooling and beyond. Children who read frequently have more knowledge, they can write better and they have a better vocabulary than a child who don't read at all. As the world becomes more complex, reading is increasingly important for children trying to find their place in it.


When to start
Like always, as early as possible! Six or seven month babies like to watch pictures and colours. You could start with hardbound or cloth books to introduce the concept of books, turning pages and handling the book in general.

The market is flooded with books for all age groups today. You can even find online stories available at some websites! As soon as your child sits in one place for five minutes you could introduce storytelling. Start with short stories with colourful pictures and then move on as your child starts to enjoy the storytelling sessions.

Even though she may not understand the story or poem, reading together gives your child a chance to learn about language, enjoy the sound of your voice, and be close to you. Be vary of people, including grand parents, who would repeatedly warn you that its too soon to introduce books to the 'baby'. Insist this is the right age and soon your child will prove you right!

Make it interactive
Try and set aside a fixed time of the day when you can give your full attention to reading with your child. Start by choosing a cosy and comfortable spot and a favourite book. Clear all distractions, like music, television etc.

Read slowly so that your child can form a mental picture of what is happening in the story,


Which books to choose
Though this may vary from child to child choose short stories with lots of pictures. Stories that are too long or have too many characters might confuse the child. If your child is scared of ghosts, monsters etc avoid stories involving them. For preschoolers, try to pick stories with clear-cut endings. While it's important to avoid titles that are completely over your child's head, encourage your child to pick slightly more advanced books for his age. Experts also add that parents must choose books they enjoy.


After you read
Talking about books you read is just as important as reading them. Discussing a story or a book with your child helps your child understand it and connect it to his or her own experience of life.

One great way to improve your child's reading comprehension is to ask questions about the story later on. Having your child exercise problem-solving skills, draw conclusions, and form opinions prepares them for the real world in many ways! Go somewhere inspired by your books. This helps bring your child's stories to life. If you've just read a book about the zoo or market place visit one so that the child can relate to the story in a better way.

Make sure you have fun
Though there are techniques and methods to read to your child, make sure that you do not stick to the rules at the cost of enjoyment for the child.


Tips to encourage your child to read

• Set a good example. Let your child see you reading as often as possible; there's no better way to convey a love of books.

• Have 'library time' at home, where in all the members of the house sit in one room with a book in hand for 5-15 minutes everday depending on the liking and time available.

• Encourage relatives and friends to give your child books as gifts.

• Take your child to the books library regularly and if possible have an independent library for him/her, where she gets to pick the books of his/her liking.

• Surround the child with books. Make sure you don't buy expensive books, or else they will find their way to cupboard under lock and key. Instead pick some from the local raddiwallah and let them handle the books independently. Hardbound or plastic coated books are also a good option.

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Other Useful Links

• The ABC's of Reading To And With Your Child
• Ways to Encourage Children To Read II
• Ways to Encourage Children To Read I