We know reading sets the stage for success. And becoming a reader really starts soon after birth. If youth can read easily and understand what they are reading by third grade, they can more easily take advantage of the learning opportunities in subsequent grades and beyond.
Before school life begins, youth are hearing the spoken word, then begin to understand the written word when being read to and seeing others reading—this is the beginning. The beginning of forming a habit that will have such great benefit—and provide endless opportunities.
We have already identified some tips to start forming an appreciation for reading, to improve the creative thinking process, to widen the young reader’s world to infinite possibilities. Some of those tips include setting aside time every day to read. Here are some more tips to start forming that habit of reading at an early age—even before school life begins.
Try to incorporate reading activities into the daily routine by:
- Keep various reading materials around your home.
- Let your child see you read—and bring books with you when you go somewhere…reading while waiting in line or for an elevator is a great use of time.
- Read with your children. Point to the words, explain the pictures. Let them turn pages, make up stories, read to you even when they can’t yet read, talk about the story, ask what comes next.
- Building off your child’s interests, then suggesting related articles and books.
- Reward your child with books and other reading material.
- If you are planning a trip, design fun activities that include reading to learn about the destination.
- After watching a show, video, or movie, introduce a book on the subject.
Lily has lots of preschool books selected at Leveled Reader. If your child or the child you are wanting to encourage to read is older, Lily can help there, too. Try selecting books by grade.
Quote: “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” Maya Angelou, American Poet, b. 1928.
