The Art of Reading

Do you read to your children? If yes, then you know that the experience of reading is wonderful and joyful. If not, then it’s never too late to get started. Here are some tips on how to get most from the experience of reading for little ones.

BEGIN reading to your children as soon as possible. The younger you start, the easier and better it will be.

FOR infants and toddlers, it’s important to include books that contain repetitions, add predictable, and rhyming books. Chose lift-the-flap or touch and feel books.

READ as often as you can the child have time for.

SET aside a routine time for daily reading.

REMEMBER - The art of listening is an acquired one. It must be taught and cultivated gradually.

START with picture books that have only a few words on the page.

AVOID long descriptive passages until the child’s imagination and attention span are longer.

READ aloud and use plenty of expressions.

AVOID reading too fast. Read slowly enough for the child to build mental pictures.

PREVIEW the book by reading it yourself ahead of time.

RELUCTANT readers or unusually active children find it difficult to just sit and listen. Paper, crayons, and pencils help them keep busy while listening.

FATHERS should make extra effort to read to their children. Young boys often associate reading with women and schoolwork but this doesn’t have to be the case always. A father’s early involvement in books and reading can do wonders.

ALLOW the child to sit on your lap and turn the pages as you read.

ASK questions and make it an interactive routine.

MAKE use of this time as reading time will allow your little to bond with you.

I have enjoyed the experience of reading to my son. Now, he chooses books and always reminds me when it is reading time. There is a whole new world beyond television and gadgets that remains to be explored.

About the Author : Chital Mehta loves to explore new books. After becoming a mother, she started this blog to share her experiences as a mother. Apart from being busy with her baby, she makes times for writing, reading and watching movies. She has authored 4 fiction novels. You can find details on her facebook page :Chital Mehta facebook

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