How To Instill a Love for Literature in Children

A love for reading doesn't often come naturally. Unless children are introduced to books and magazines early in life, they won't choose to read over playing a video game or watching television. It's sad too that most parents do not read to their children. Not only do parents miss out on the opportunity to spend quality time with their children; children miss out on an important experience. Many children who are not read to at an early age often have low reading skills and scores on reading tests. Here are some tips on how to instill a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

1. Make the Time. Reading to your child on daily basis is not difficult, even for the busiest parent. In fact, sitting down for 10-15 minutes a night will not only help your child settle down from the hectic day, but it will help you, too. Bedtime is often the best time to sit and read together. Many children need help winding down from a busy day. Cuddling up with Mom or Dad and a good book is a great way to do this. Many parents are home at bedtime, too. Since children are getting ready for bed, just add this on to the routine.
2. Follow the Words. Once you're cozy on the couch or bed and have a book to read, make reading fun. As you read the words to your child, also follow along with your pointer finger. This way, your child can follow the words as you read them. This helps the child to recognize words and letters and become a better reader, sooner. Use sound effects as you read. If the dog says, "Woof, Woof!" in the book, bark like a dog. If the truck rumbles along the road, make a rumbly noise. Children love sound effects when reading, as it makes the story come to life. You'll find it makes reading more fun for you, too, to read aloud.
3. Create a Library. Even before your child is born, you can create a library. Picture books make great baby gifts. Picture books can be expensive. If you don't receive them as gifts, visit flea markets and yard sales for good, used books. Be sure to include some children's poetry. Include some of your favorite books from your childhood, too. Some may be classics and it's wonderful to introduce your child to "classics" at an early age. There is no reason you can't start a library in your home at any age though. If children see books in the home, they will read them.
4. Visit the Library. Libraries have been around for a long time. What a great concept to be able to "borrow" books. Even better is teaching your children about the library and how to use and respect the books he or she takes out. Children can browse racks of books and choose ones they want to read most. Make them feel really grown up by letting them get their own library card. Join reading groups and book clubs at the library, too. Most libraries have reading programs for young children and summer reading programs. Make sure your child is involved in these, as it will instill a love for literature.
5. Subscribe to a Magazine. There are many wonderful children's magazines just waiting to be read. Sometimes children just don't have the attention span or time to sit and read a long story. Magazines offer reading in short spurts. They also offer other activities like games, puzzles, quizzes, crafts, as well as different kinds of literature. A story is fiction, while nonfiction is an article that teaches something. Poems are also popular and fun to read. Vivid illustrations and photos make the story come alive or take the child to that remote desert in the middle of Africa. Magazines are age-appropriate so be sure to find one that best fits the age and reading level of your child.
6. Visit Websites for Children. Since many children are computer savvy, editors are also encouraging children to read online. As the creator/editor of Wee Ones, I saw a need for quality literature that children could access via a computer. In 2000, there were not any websites for children that focused on literature. My husband and I created Wee Ones Children's Magazine. Many more followed, but most don't last a year because websites are time-consuming to maintain. Another great website is Imagination Café. If you do a keyword search for "online children's magazines," you might find a few more. The best thing for parents about these websites is that often they are free. However, always go online with your child, as the Internet can be a dangerous and scary place for young readers.

There are many ways to make reading fun. Instilling that love for literature has many benefits for children and parents. Start when children are young and you'll see a lifetime of joy through the written word!