Family Reading: Reading Together & Reading Aloud

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 8, 2011

Ten Tips to Help Motivate Children to Read

Why is reading as a family so important to a child’s development and success?

It’s time to explore the importance of reading aloud together as a family and discover ways in which parents can foster a true passion for this important skill in each and every child.

Reading together as a family is the first step towards helping your child succeed at school. Why? Because reading to your children encourages them to become readers, and knowing how to read is one of the most fundamental tools used for learning. Children who are read to from an early age typically have a more positive attitude when it comes to learning to read. They are also more likely to have a larger vocabulary, good listening skills and a longer attention span.

The Key to Creating Lifelong Readers

The key to creating lifelong readers is parental involvement. The literacy journey is a continuous learning path—parents have the power to motivate children through example and by staying connected.

10 Ways You Can Help Develop Your Child’s Passion for Reading:

• Make reading aloud a part of your daily routine from the moment your child enters the world—even if it’s only for 10 minutes. However, don’t limit this to babies and toddlers, even some teens still enjoy being read to.
• Engage your child and activate their listening skills by varying voices for the different characters and reading with animation and excitement.
• Keep reading fun by selecting humorous tales, or stories with funny words—imaginations and creativity will soar.
• Don’t be afraid to read the same book over and over. It’s comforting for children and helps with comprehension skills.
• Stop and enjoy the pictures. Allow your child to tell his own story based on what he sees; it’s empowering and also leads to an appreciation of art.
• Find interesting places to read. Build a fort, find a shady spot under a tree, read at the beach or on a blanket at the park.
• Regularly attend local story times at the library and/or bookstore.
• Listen to audio-books—prerecorded or made with your own voice—and use them in the car or during a quiet play-time.
• When possible, give the gift of books for birthdays, baby showers, or any other celebration that requires a present.
• Lead by example. Let your child see you read.

Literacy and reading expert Mem Fox says, “Read aloud every day because you just love being with your child, not because it’s the right thing to do. This is as important for fathers as it is for mothers!”

By placing a high value on reading you are helping to create lifelong readers.

This article first appeared on Suite101.com on April 1, 2010.

Photo Credit: Family Reading Aloud – Pavel Losevsky: PhotXpress