We are being challenged to come up with a list of ways to encourage kids to read.
If you have been around The Nirvana for any length of time, you know that I have been trying out a few of my own this summer:
- Bribery
- Scheduling reading time
- Threats
(not really me)
Oh, did I NOT mention the threats?
I usually dwell on happier things, so it probably didn’t get much blog attention. But threats have been part of my summer reading master plan.
The truth is that all the things above can MAKE my kids read which I hope in time fosters the LOVE of reading that I so desperately want for them.
Because when they WANT to read and sneak a book at bedtime, I think it is a beautiful thing…
I just noticed my email address was entered incorrectly. It is [email protected]
Hi Holly!
I just subscribed to your email. My 4 year old would really benefit from the V. Reader to help to read. I hope we win!
Now that my kids are getting a little older, I have been reading them books that are above their reading level but are very engaging. We’re finishing Percy Jackson which they couldn’t read on their own, but they don’t want me to stop reading each time we pick up the book! Harry Potter, here we come!
Hi Holly!,
I also wrote on my facebook page about this contest.
I get your emails!
ourkidsmom @ gmail dot com
tweet!
http://twitter.com/ourkidsmom/status/19255153626
Hi Holly!
Two things work for me: I have a wide variety of reading material in the house at all times. Everything from chapter books to comics/graphic novels for kids to books of riddles and wacky facts to Calvin and Hobbes. There is always something appealing to read.
The second tip? Mandatory rest time every afternoon for the older ones. They don’t have to nap but they do have to stay in their room and be quiet without video games. Said room happens to be filled with books, so guess what they wind up doing for their quiet hour?
BTW, if you have boys, once they get into the teen years the best way to make them read something you want for them to read is to leave it on the top of the commode. It will get read.
I encourage my kids to read by being an example. When I read they want to read (they are 3 1/2 and 2 though :O)
I wrote about this contest on your facebook page.
Reading aloud with the child is a good idea. If the child seems interested, it may be a good idea to let the child complete the book aloud by him/herself. Also, discussing the outcome of
the story and looking at the drawings in the book may be helpful. Almanacs may be interesting to older children. If the child talks about a certain topic such as sharks, stars, etc. take them to the library, do research on the internet, or at home.