Efficient reading skills are vital if our children are to grow to lead a successful life. Helping kids to read is one of the many crucial tasks that a parent can oversee.  Yet for many kids, reading is BORING!  I was this child and I can’t think of anything that bored me more than having to read.  Every summer, my mother encouraged me to read by setting aside 20 minutes a day on a blanket under an oak tree in our  backyard to reading an interesting book I selected at the library.  It may have helped, but it still was not until I was an adult that I got an interest in reading.

Even though it may be demanding, learning how to support your child in reading, it is crucial.  Try applying these ideas to help encourage reading in kids and a love of reading with your child.

Helping Kids to Read Tip #1- Do not force your child to read.  Doing so will only have the opposite effect of what you’re trying to accomplish.  Instead, offer your child a lot of positive reinforcement by praising them when they read.  Try allotting a chunk of time when the whole family reads, call it Family Fun Reading time.  Doing this will gently direct your child toward choosing to read for themselves, rather than being forced into it.

Tip #2- Model reading by checking out books at the library or purchasing them for yourself.  Let your child actually see you reading…and enjoying it!

Tip #3- Allow your child to select their own books to read.  Praise them when they read and don’t force them to finish the whole book if they don’t choose to.

Tip #4- Encourage your child to read around titles relating to their interests .  For example, if they enjoy cars, help them search out books about cars.

Tip #5- Talk about books your child reads for class and pay attention to their interpretation of what they’re reading.

Tip #6- Help your child develop ownership in their books by helping them to write their names in their books.  You may be able to  find fun stickers with your child’s name on them to make it even more exciting!

Tip #7- Take regular family trips to the library and/or bookstore.

Tip #8- Give your child a book allowance.  Kids will love this because they will be able to spend their book money on a book that interests them.

Tip #9- Read to your children.  Make up a great storytelling style to add enthusiasm to your stories and watch your stories come alive!

Tip #10- Let your kids read to you.  Children love this activiy so encourage them to do so.  Don’t forget some positive reinforcement!

By following these very simple tips, helping kids to read will be easy and you and your children will receive the benefits.