Raising a reader

Every parent knows that reading to children is highly beneficial.  But just what exactly does it do?

First off, reading creates a daily opportunity to bond with your child, one that will be cherished forever.  It is a time to get close, snuggle, explore new topics, and start interesting discussions.  Better yet, the more you read with your child, the better a reader they will become.  

Reading offers an escape from reality, but also a wonderful way to learn more about our world.  Reading can teach children compassion, cultural appreciation, scientific wonders, and so much more.  

When should I start reading to my baby?  As early as possible.  It doesn't matter if they are too young, or don't understand - the soothing tone of your voice will just be plain relaxing for them.  After a few months, your baby will appreciate looking at the brightly coloured board books you enjoy together.  Though these books may be short, create your own words, songs, stories and games with the pictures you see.  

Once your child hits the toddler years, books become much more enjoyable.  Now your child is old enough to be interactive during your reading sessions.  Give your tot a job to find objects, name things, seek out colours, count, and make lots of animal sounds.  At times you will find their attention span may be quite short.  Keep at it and show your toddler the joy that comes from reading together.  

During the preschool years longer picture books are the top choice.  Make the most of your time by popping in some educational books.  Learns about animals, seasons, letters, numbers, opposites....... Go with the flow and focus on things your child loves like dinosaurs, butterflies, or trains.  

The kindergarten years bring the opportunity to help your child learn to read.  Begin with practicing basic letters sounds and later learning to blend two sounds together.  Soon enough your child will be able to read simple three or 4 letter words.  Enjoy easy books together and allow your child to sound out a few words on their own.  But don't forget to keep up your side of the bargain by reading longer and more interesting books as well.  This is the perfect age to start in with an early chapter book.  Your child will enjoy the suspense that comes with wondering what will happen next.  

Although school age children are more than able to read to themselves, by keeping up your daily ritual you can share with your child books that may be beyond their own reading level, or novels that captured your interest long ago.  This is an opportunity to show your child that regardless of their abilities, this time together is still important.  Take turns reading, start discussions and explore books that offer a chance to learn something interesting.  This is the perfect time to expand their world by offering choices that they would never choose on their own.  

As your child grows and gravitates towards a natural preference of solo reading, you can begin to keep tabs on their choices.  This is also the perfect time to pick a book they are into, and read it on your own, later coming back to them for further discussion.  

Your local library should offer an endless supply of free material, hit it up and begin creating what will surely be a treasured part of your child's day, and maybe even yours.