How To Make Your Reading More Fun For Your Child

One of The Best Ways to Help Your Child's Learning

R eading to your child is one of the best ways you can help their learning.

The last time you may have read aloud might have been many years ago at your own school.

Don't be put off if you feel you are not a good reader. Reading to your child is NOT the same as the reading you did at school.

With daily reading, you'll improve your technique and your confidence will grow especially when you see how much your child loves you reading to them.

How To Make Your Reading More Enjoyable For Your Child

As you read to your child, have these goals in mind -

1) Have fun! A good book that suits your child will ensure this, there are plenty of them... see our [recommendations].

2) Show them that books are exciting

3) Show them the wide variation of what is available in books

4) Kick start their imagination

5) Show them that books, words and reading are nothing to fear and simply

6) Get your child comfortable with books

There are ways to make the reading you do with your child more effective.

These are things to consider when reading aloud to your child -

Read with expression

Choose the right book that suits the interests of your child.

Encourage your child to ask any questions if they want to. Take the time to give a full explanation.

Make sure you have energy.

Make sure you are both in a comfortable position.

If you have more that one young child, consider reading to then together, but wtahc out if one dominates, and the other sits back.

Keep the kids calm before reading.

Does not have to be at bedtime

Choose a book from our suggested list. A great book does the work for you to transport them to another world.

Funny voices, animal noises.

Don't forget to include rhymes.

Ask your child what they think might happen at certain points in the story, make it exciting for them to see if they are right.

Let them stay up later if you read to them. A good book will hold their attention. The more enthusiastic you get about the story, the more they will become too. Choose a book that suits your child.

and that words paint pictures in their imaginations. Talk about the pictures your child has in their mind

If you find your child is still reluctant, use our 'Fun Reading Tricks'.

Tricks to Get Reluctant Children Excited About Books

'Night Reading' - reading with the lights off and your child holds the torch. Don't worry if they seam pre-occupied by the torch. The right book should be enough to grab their attention eventually.

Don't worry if you lack fluency at first, you'll have lots of chances improve your style. Just make sure you have lots of fun !

Reading to your child can be a very rewarding and memorable activity for both of you. Creating fun silly voices for the story characters can even be the highlight of your day and can be a great escape for both of you !

Reading can be tiring, especially when you've had a busy day. Where possible change your routine so as to reserve enough energy for reading for a few minutes to your child. Reading little and often is better for your child than reading less often and longer.

To encourage your child's interest in books use your imagination to find ways to bring the stories to life. Your child will enjoy funny voices for characters you create, if they say your attempts are poor, let them have a go ! For younger children getting your child actively involved, talk about the pictures, could be as simple as turning over the pages for you.

Look out for storytelling sessions at libraries held especifically for children. The library is a great place for families; it provides a quiet place for reading, relaxing, and researching favourite topics. When your child ask questions, use them as a chance to visit the library and help your child find the answers.

Just like looking back at an old photo, a recording of your children will bring enjoyment to you in the future. These days it's very easy to do with a recording MP3 player, why noty have one handy whist you read and use it to reacord any special moments.

Create a small collection of books your child can keep in their room. Some ideas on keeping book costs down are -

Ask other parents if they have old children's book they want to get rid of.

Ebay can be a good source.

Second hand shops usually have a fair amout of children's books available at a bargain.

Look out for book sales.

Finally, to help insprire your storytelling (and just for your enjoyment) we couldn't resist a link here for your inspriation - YouTube, Jackanory Rik Mayal Georgies Marvellous Medicine (10 parts)

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

Xref others

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