| Raising a child who loves books can be easy, if you | | | | rocking chair in the living room. While reading doesn't |
| have a plan. However, you must keep in mind that no | | | | have to be done only in this corner, having that special |
| matter how well you prepare to foster a love of | | | | place set aside for reading will make it feel like a |
| books in your child, other influences may keep her | | | | special event in her day. Let her choose the reading |
| from being a reader. All you can do as a parent is | | | | chair in a special shopping trip with mom or dad. |
| provide the encouragement, but the rest is up to your | | | | Once your child begins learning how to read, you |
| child. | | | | should still read to her. This will improve her vocabulary |
| One thing you can do to encourage a love of books is | | | | as you introduce her to words she has never heard or |
| to read to your child from infancy on. This teaches her | | | | seen before. Take turns reading paragraphs or |
| that reading involves special time with mom and dad. | | | | sentences to make reading a group effort. |
| She will associate books with affection, which | | | | If you find that your child does not like to read, you |
| encourages a sense of security and a love for books | | | | may be tempted to bribe her to read. Avoid this if you |
| as objects that bring security to her. As your child | | | | can. Bribery does not cultivate a love of books. It |
| matures and is able to play with toys on her own, | | | | teaches your child that reading is something to be |
| provide books that she can touch, chew, and bang | | | | endured for a reward. Instead, try to figure out why |
| around. Even if she ends up destroying them, she will | | | | she doesn't like to read. Are the books you have |
| begin to associate books with having fun. | | | | offered her boring to her? Does she have a reading |
| Sometimes small children want the same book read | | | | disability that needs to be addressed? Does she need |
| repeatedly in the same sitting. As an adult, this may | | | | glasses? Try to find books that appeal to her, even if |
| feel like a tedious chore. Do it anyway. Repetitive | | | | they are not topics you are interested in, and read |
| reading is one of the best ways children learn new | | | | those books with her. |
| words. Do not force your child to listen to a book if | | | | Finally, model good reading behavior whenever you |
| she is giving you signals that she would rather do | | | | can. Your children should see you reading a wide |
| something else. When children are young, reading must | | | | variety of materials. You should read books, |
| be a pleasant experience. | | | | magazines, newspapers, and even advertisements. |
| As your child begins to read, give her a special place in | | | | Your child will learn from your example that reading is |
| the house that is her reading corner. It could be a | | | | something to be enjoyed every day of her life. |
| beanbag pillow in her bedroom or a special child-sized | | | | |