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By DOREEN NAGLE • Gannett News Service • June 4, 2009 When my son was little, before he started kindergarten, his favorite pastime was reading books, either by himself or cuddled up with my husband or myself. However, as if on cue (or miscue), the second he started elementary school, reading became the activity non-grata. After some testing of strategies on my part, I came up with a plan that keeps on working. Hopefully it'll work for you as well. - First step, determine if your child's dislike of reading is an emotional reaction to reading or is there something physically off kilter. Does your child reverse letters such as mistaking a "B" for a "D" or does he have to squint to see the words on the pages? If so, get him checked out by a doctor. Perhaps your child complains of tummy aches whenever he is asked to read - then it could mean he is struggling to learn. Again, consult with a professional such as a counselor or teacher as well as a health professional. - If your child's dislike of reading is of the common variety - she just finds it boring or finds other activities more fun - then utilize these tips: - Let your child see you reading. Read to your child from any funny or interesting age-appropriate books or magazines that you are presently enjoying. Be enthusiastic. - For some students, classroom textbooks are dry reading material and can cause a child to get turned off to any sort of reading. Check with your child's teacher or your local children's librarian to see what books are available that cover the subjects your child is learning about in school. Choose ones that have some action in them - even with science, geography or math, a good author can spice things up for the reader, as well as make the material clear and concise. - Get to know your child's interests and what sorts of reading have kept her interest. Would a book about baseball players or fashion designing be stimulating? - We've been told that the Harry Potter series enlivened fiction reading for young people. But what if your child does not enjoy fiction? Children learn from each genre: in fiction, a child learns to use his imagination by drawing pictures in his own mind that illustrate what the author is describing. Of course, in nonfiction, that same child will hard-wire important facts into his memory. - Visit the library weekly and let your children pick out their own books (this goes for any age child, even teens) with your approval. Mix them up - some for pure fun, some for learning. - Give rewards. Set up a program to reward your child every time he finishes a chapter, a book or so many words. In addition, check with your local library: many have summer reading rewards programs for kids. - If you have a young child in day care or preschool, make sure that reading aloud is part of their daily program; also, check that there are plenty of books accessible for your child to read at will. Article Source: NewsPress.com |
