After giving you some reading tips for babies up to four years, and children up to eight, I would like today to expand information about how to help your children feel a love for literature, or at the very least, to establish a link with books, so that they discover all the advantages of reading.
Nowadays, it is a mistake to think that we can only read thanks to paper books. We have tools at our disposal that can help us, such as tablets when they are small, or e-readers, from (perhaps) nine years old. Of course, always from the equilibrium: Because technology has come into our lives to add possibilities, not to make us forget—in this case—about paper. But I continue with the purpose of this post: Are readers born or made?
It is a seemingly simple question, although it raises some disparity of opinion. You will see, home is the ideal environment to encourage readingBecause there are no pressures, we can approach each other's tastes, repeat readings as many times as we want, reinvent stories, and freely express the emotions or emotions that it arouses in us.
I return to that apparent simile with "was the chicken or the egg first?": Any father or mother who has insisted on reading rag books four months after the birth of their first-born, who takes children with just two to the library, to invent stories on foot (or inside) the bed, and to be able to overcome prejudices by accepting that his little girl, who is only six years old, wants to read theater essays ... As I said, any of those parents know that These girls and boys will read with amazing fluency (and understanding, that is not little) at 8.
And what about children with a taste for reading before they know how to walk, even if they don't have a mother who chases them to read a chapter to them? Let's see, a reader can be born, I'm not saying no ... but to stay, you need supports; For this reason, I am more in favor of child readers "being made", despite how bad the expression is. How can we help?
Why from the family?
Regarding the importance of family (don't call me heavy), I have three reasons, turned into connections between family and reading experience, that you are going to like them, and perhaps they will even motivate you to fill the shelves of the children's room with magic (and when I say magic… I mean books):
- Isn't it true that the family is the source of intense experiences and learning during early childhood? reading is too… Throughout life.
- Think about your childhood, what environment did you have? you identify beautiful memories and contrasting emotions?, the family? Well, with books it happens that they get to you, and they become part of your memories, your memories at any stage of development.
- Reading can help you discover the world, find your place in it… navigate it, and it does so constantly. Just like parents, siblings, or grandparents do when we're young.
That sounds good?
Also, reading as a family strengthens bonds of trust and affection, improves communication and provides an opportunity for everyone to have their say and be heard. Book 20 or 30 minutes daily Reading together or showing interest in what the little ones are reading is an investment that shows: they expand their vocabulary, express themselves better, and practice critical thinking.
From birth, the oral tradition Help: Rhymes, songs, rhymes, and made-up stories pave the way for reading to become second nature. As they grow, reading aloud, discussing what they've read, and allowing them to handle books reinforces their curiosity. And when they're reading independently, taking turns reading pages, discussing characters, and anticipating plots continues to be a fantastic way to share the experience.
And from school?
Go ahead, that attempts in the form of projects, actions or other initiatives, to promote reading in the classroom, are so necessary! Necessary because it seems that the rate of adherence to reading decreases in some European countriesAnd yet, the teacher must have many resources and support to reach each of his students through reading; and the way of working the contents is not always interesting for children.
But look: reading benefits children in school performance because favors the acquisition of vocabulary, and the learning of grammar rules and spelling (naturally), it also improves written and oral expression, and stimulates curiosity, who gives more?
In practice, the school strengthens the habit with guided reading aloud, reading clubs, book exchanges among peers, small literary gatherings, and comprehension activities. These dynamics teach express an opinion with respect, understand complex messages, and connect texts with other subjects. When families and schools coordinate (for example, by sharing age-specific recommendations and visiting the library), the impact is multiplied.
Playful experiences also work: dramatizing scenes, creating alternative covers, organizing friendly reading challenges or suggest reader diaries where you can write down favorite titles and new discoveries. Every little helps, as long as you avoid making reading a chore and keep the focus on enjoyment.
Practical tips
Here you wanted it to arrive, sure. We already mentioned another day that the parents' model is a good reference, "If you read, it will seem to them that reading is natural". It is advisable to read 10 or 15 minutes a day to each child, what is a lot? Well, that's much less than what you spend on your social networks. The place where we read should be comfortable and free from interference, also make it easy for them to read on their own whenever they want.
After reading, if there is time left, it is very interesting talk about content, and propose games such as imagining different endings, or change the roles of the characters (the wolf can be the good one, if you want). By talking, you give children a chance to think and express what has been read.
When you go to choose books, be guided first by what your children want, do not be afraid; is a good way to advance your capabilities. Try visiting libraries, and asking family or friends to give away books for birthdays or other special occasions. Dare to explore comics, poetry, storytelling, humorous stories, mystery, so your children will discover their interests.
Some extra ideas for your day to day that work very well:
- Make reading a topic of conversation: Talk about your favorite books, why they influenced you, genres, and authors. This normalization sparks curiosity.
- Include oral tradition with rhymes, riddles, and dramatized stories. The voices and onomatopoeia captivate the little ones.
- Choose a quiet time without interruptions: after a snack or before bed to create a pleasant routine.
- When they are reading, share in turns (one page each) and check understanding with simple questions about characters and plot.
- Guided by levels and tastesA book that's too difficult is frustrating; one that's too easy is boring. It's better to gauge your level and connect with your interests.
- Patience and positive reinforcementLearning to read is a process. Celebrate progress and respect the timing.
- Easy access at home: Books should be at hand like toys, with a mini children's library.
- Visit libraries and bookstores: Browsing shelves as a family opens doors to new stories.
- Give books as gifts for achievements, special dates... and even for no reason at all. Associate reading with rewarding experiences.
- It's okay if you don't read one day.: Maintaining pleasure prevents it from being perceived as an imposition.
Your books must be accessible: on the lowest shelves of the bookcase. It's very discouraging for them to want to read and not be able to pick up the story.
And remember: technology adds value if we use it intentionally. audiobooks They are a great gateway to long stories, tablets allow you to read anywhere, and e-readers help you adjust font size or carry multiple titles. The important thing is that the device doesn't overshadow the shared moment.
Activities to read and enjoy together
The secret to making readers, especially at early ages, is associate play and readingHere are suggestions that turn every story into an adventure:
- Invite to his favorite doll Listen to the story and interact with him. When he starts reading, he can become a storyteller.
- Use different voices for each character and imitate sounds and onomatopoeia. Dramatization is engaging.
- Wear costumes as a character before or after reading multiplies the immersion in the story.
- Ask, from the title, how do you think the story will be? and what ending do you imagine after the first page.
- Do Shadow Theather with cardboard figures, a sheet, and a light. Telling the story with shadows is pure magic.
- Create a reader's diary with previews, books read, lists of favorites, and brief reflections. It strengthens self-esteem and written expression.
- Draw a scene of each book and comment on details, colors and emotions.
- Record yourselves dramatize the story and then listen to it as a family. Laughing together also brings people together.
- Propose exchange books with friends or cousins to discover new authors and strengthen ties.
- Explore educational online games linked to reading to work on vocabulary and comprehension.
- Write alternative endings or new stories inspired by what you've read. It's pure creativity.
Resources and formats that also count
Reading is not just fiction on paper. Having a varied reading diet enriches the habit and adapts to each child:
- Stories, poetry and comics for different rhythms and tastes; the graphic novel engages reluctant readers.
- Informative texts, magazines and news adapted to the level: they sharpen critical thinking and connect with the world.
- Audiobooks and podcasts to practice listening comprehension and enjoy with the family during trips.
- Physical and virtual libraries with catalogues that can be filtered by age and theme, making it easier to choose.
- Digital platforms that offer animated stories with narration, useful as a bridge to independent reading.
- Creative tools to generate illustrated stories based on children's ideas, excellent for stimulating writing.
- Comprehension games with interactive activities and printable worksheets by text genre.
- Young readers' networks to create personal libraries, leave simple reviews, and discover recommendations.
If we combine these resources with conversations, quiet moments and freedom to choose, the habit takes hold more easily. And, yes, the book series They are a great hook: when they find a series they like, they ask for the next one for pure pleasure.
Create spaces, routines and motivation
A prepared environment invites reading. Design a Reading corner With good lighting, cushions, and shelves at their height. Display some covers face forward so they're more visible, and rotate titles based on interests, seasons, or school projects.
Routine is key: establish a fixed moment a day, even if you start with 10 minutes, and be consistent. On difficult days, try the formula “You one page, me another” or alternate phrases or characters. A visual timer helps avoid the question “how much is left?”
To stay motivated, check off kind goals (reading a certain amount of time weekly, exploring a new genre) and celebrate the process with small experiential rewards: an afternoon at the library, choosing that night's story, putting on a shadow puppet show. Avoid pressure for numbers: it's more important to quality of the moment than the number of pages.
Get the family involved: grandparents, aunts and uncles, and older siblings can add minutes of shared reading time and lend their old children's books. Organize a home reading club, a mini family gathering, or a book exchange with friends from the neighborhood. And yes, a friendly contest (who designs the best alternative cover, who recommends the funniest book) adds spark without turning it into a competition.
Finally, let's take care of the context: limited screens during reading time, leave books in different areas of the house, and combine paper, digital formats and audio. The essential thing is that reading is a pleasant experience and shared, not just another task.
That's all, sure that later, you will find more posts with tips about reading, and even literary reviews, do not miss itAs you see, when the family lights the spark, the school accompanies and play mixes with books, reading stops being an obligation and becomes an everyday pleasure that builds language, thought and memories that accompany us throughout our lives.