CEBU, Philippines - All parents want to develop the reading habits of their children even when the kids are still toddlers. But sometimes they are at a loss how to sell a book to the little ones. Some parents even bribe their children with candies or toys just for them to read a book.
For some children, reading is fun and exciting. Others, however, need to be repeatedly encouraged to pick up a book and read. How can parents turn their children from non-readers to avid readers?
There are actually no rules - only patience and lots of practice. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund suggests to parents that reading activities should be light at first as a way to introduce children to the habit.
The following are other suggestions that are likely to prove helpful for parents in raising a reader in their children.
Provide reading spaces
The library is your best resource. If you havenot been to the public library, take a trip there this weekend. Introduce your child to the librarian and ask her if she can help you find a book that your child will enjoy.
Or, take your child to a bookstore or a book bazaar. There are lots to choose from - comic books, series, and even compilation of poems. You and your child are sure to find something to bring home, something that your child personally picks as well as something for yourself.
Whether you are visiting a dentist or meeting someone at the restaurant, always bring a book with you. This way, you can let the child read while waiting, instead of him playing with his portable playstation. There are many little opportunities for reading during the day that, if taken advantage of, will develop the child's reading skills in a big way.
At home, make sure that there is some nice corner where your child can sit down and read a book. The place shall be at a quiet and comfortable area in the house. You can surround the designated area with book shelves, throw pillows, and a bowl of candies. The child is likely to want to spend time reading if he sees a welcoming environment for it.
Offer good books, and let the child take his pick
Allow the kids to select his own books. You can suggest your choices, but don't decide for the child. If he wants to read a comic book that looks boring to you, then let him be. The important thing is for him to start flipping the pages. It is good enough for a start.
When the child feels that his parents control what he reads, it might create resentment in him, and he may no longer take pleasurable in reading, and instead see it as a chore or obligation he must accomplish even if he does not want to.
Show the kid that books are good sources of information. If she has a new pet, you can buy her a book about raising a pet in the house. If your child is making an artwork, offer her a book about arts. The child will certainly like books that are in line with her interests.
One good book to suggest to the child is the "Akong Bugsay" (My Paddle), which tells the story of a little boy named Andoy who goes on a fishing trip with his father. During the sea trip, Andoy learns valuable lessons on planning and working hard to achieve a goal. The book teaches the "Bugsay" philosophy of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) President Roberto Aboitiz of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it.
Be a reader yourself
Children look up to their parents as their role models. Make it a point to read a book or the newspaper, especially when your child is still in the house. Set the example. You can read together or you can talk about the books you like.
As the child gets older, look for areas of common interest between him and you. This not only better develops a passion for reading but also helps create a strong bond between parents and their children. You may even take it further by organizing a reading tour in your neighborhood.
It is best to read aloud to the children - even starting when the kids are still infants. The more the child is exposed to the reading habit, the more likely she is to develop a sense of pleasure on reading.
(Source: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/more-reading-resources/raising-reader)