How can parents encourage children to read when there are so many other things kids enjoy doing, most of which involve a screen of some sort? I believe the key for any age is about finding the ‘right book’ and discovering the feeling of not being able to put a book down. They may then get into a whole series or genre – and the habit of reading becomes established.
Finding that right book takes time. Paths to discovery include going to a specialist bookshop, speaking to the class teacher or your child's peers, and reading online reviews.
What are the main factors to think about when choosing books for your child?
- Is the book appealing and eye-catching?
Front cover bright, interesting illustrations? The length of words and sentences and the vocabulary give a good guide to the level of difficulty. If you are expecting your child to read the book on their own, it needs to be pitched at the right level.
- Is the story worth telling?
Does it read well aloud? Is it entertaining or challenging? Imaginative and exciting? Is there humour or suspense? Can you make out a clear sequence?
- Is the language appropriate, natural and meaningful?
Does it encourage prediction and anticipation? Richness in expression and imaginative use of words? Rhythm, rhyme & repetition help young children to predict the text.
- Is the subject appropriate to the child in terms of age and maturity?
Books should be linked to a child’s own interests and experience.
- The ‘look of a book’ is important - psychological and social factors.
If it seems too difficult or too easy, your child may not want to try.
- Are the characters convincing?
Can children identify with them? Dialogue between characters should be clear and understandable and capture the rhythms of real speech.
- Is the print clear, well-spaced and appropriately sized?
Print can be small as long as words are clearly separate. A few sentences on each page are less daunting. Explore different styles - comic strip, puzzle-solving, variety of typefaces.
- Does the story give opportunities for further discussion?
- Does your child have a favourite author, series or genre of books?
Teach children how to make their own choices. Respect their opinion and taste.
- Encourage re-reading of familiar books.
Children need the experience of effortlessly breezing through books. Easy and absorbing books treat the child as a reading expert.
By Rachel Vecht – Founder of Educating Matters who provide seminars, webinars, courses and one-to-one consultations for parents/carers in the workplace, schools, homes and remotely. Covering a wide range of education and parenting related topics.
'Parents are a child's first and most important teacher'
www.educatingmatters.co.uk
July 9, 2018