How do you instill a lifelong interest in books in your children?

Modeling behaviors you wish to instill in your child seems to have the biggest impact. Hence, in raising a reader for life, I can’t place enough emphasis on reading yourself—read, and then read some more to your child! When it comes to reading to children, I have found that the more animated the reader is, the more engrossed the children become. The story seems to come to life!

Outlined below are a few tips that are helpful in engaging your child in a book and developing a love for reading:

1. Let your child pick out their own book—the motivation seems greater when they know it is a book they chose. This is a key lesson learned from my recent visits to the library.
2. Children like repetition—it is common for them to choose the same book to be read over and over. Oblige them, even if you are tired of the story yourself!
3. Pattern books seem to be a popular choice with preschoolers; the pages tend to be predictable and the children feel successful.
4. Picture books (with no words) are fun because you and your child can create your own story to go with the illustrations. You can control the length of the story based on the attention span and interest of the child.
5. Not every book needs to be a catalyst to a teachable moment or a grammar lesson. Make the reading fun and geared just toward your child and his/her comprehension of the story.
6. Coincide reading time with quiet time to assure reading success.
7. Allow your child the ability to create his or her own book by dictating a story to add to illustration he or she created!
8. Consider reading time as quality time spent with your child!

Basic literacy skills begin before children actually enter kindergarten; I recommend reading Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel for additional information here. Evidence suggests, though, that there is a direct correlation between early literacy and later literacy achievement. (And this further brings truth to the saying, “those that start behind, stay behind.”)

Don’t let your child start behind—take advantage of these important years and facilitate your child’s success in early literacy. Let him or her grab a book of their choice and let the fun begin!