World Book Day: 5 ways to get your child into reading

With world book day just having past, many school children followed the tradition of dressing up as their favourite story book characters across primary schools in England with activities promoting reading following into the weekend.

However as many children spend more time online, some families may struggle to get their kids interested in the book style of storytelling.

Miss. S, a primary school teacher from Kent has said: “Reading is not just about being able to decode letters and words, but it allows them to develop a wide range of vocabulary and expressionism which helps them when writing and learning about the world around them.”

 

Read together

One of the main ways a child can get into reading is through reading with a parent or family.

Not only does this create quality time between you and your child, it also encourages them to read in their own time as almost all children copy the habits they see in adults.

This also creates a positive environment around books and reading as they associate it with you instead of them seeing it as a school chore.

 

Pantos and shows

With many children being visual learners it’s no wonder that pantomimes become popular sell out shows every year.

However shows like these may also become a key component in getting children interested in reading.

Even in films and TV shows based on children’s books, it brings up the opportunity to talk about the book versions of stories and create an interest in reading.

 

Visit libraries and bookstores

Visiting local stores and libraries allows your child to have free choice in the books they read.

Some children may find that the fun is being taken out of books when they are given the materials they have to read.

Allowing the free choice of a bookstore or a library allows them to develop their own taste in genres and ignite an interest in their favourite types of stories

 

Making it a game

Every year around world book day schools across the country allow their students to dress up as their favourite book characters.

Activities surrounding stories such as dressing up as your favourite characters with your children can create a fun and engaging environment around reading.

Creating games, art and engaging activities around stories will help children see the fun in storytelling.

Miss.S also said: “In a busy world it’s hard to read with your child, but turn it into a fun activity and allow the excitement to develop into reading. Reading should be fun and not a chore.”

 

Talking and encouragement

The key way to encourage your child to read is through encouragement.

Children must see a positive environment around reading in order to naturally develop an interest in reading and storytelling.

Talking with your child about what they are reading and what they think of each book they read, helps them to develop their own opinions on what genres they like and form their own opinions on reading material.