As parents one of our biggest pleasures in life is watching our children grow. We celebrate each milestone along the way, from baby's first smile, first words to learning how to read – these are all accomplishments that are amazing in their simplicity. Encouraging our young ones to love and appreciate books and become avid readers is also an accomplishment and is one of the best things you can do for your kids – no matter what they choose to pursue in the future, having a passion for books will always help with opportunities.  

Reading is essential, it’s what helps us learn! It is a gateway to an endless amount of knowledge and adventures that you can embark upon at any time and from any place. You don’t need to be a professional in early literacy or education to encourage young minds to indulge in books and develop a passion for them.

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5 Tips To Encourage Children To Read And Appreciate Books  

 

1. Set the example. Kids learn by mimicking those around them, in fact, they learn best by example! Let your children see you read every day and talk about your books (age appropriately of course) to them, tell them what you are reading about and what you are learning. Let them see you get excited about your books. The same goes for educators, let your students see you read, discuss the book you currently have on your desk with them and refer to things you have learnt from the book you have read. For instance, you can say “I recently read a good fictional book about a child who had a similar experience to you “– let them know that books are something they can relate to. 
2. Read to your young ones every day. It is never too early to start reading to children, in fact, read to them from the moment they are born! Reading to them from early days will help them build a vocabulary before they can even speak and it is a beautiful way to bond with little ones. You don’t even need to read the actual story, you can simply talk about the pictures. Every time you read a book to your child, show them how to hold it the right side up, how to read from left to right and how to look after a book and treat it with care – let your books last forever!   
3. Books can be toys too. Instead of spending your hard-earned money on toys that will either be broken in the first 10 minutes of use, never played with or lost somewhere in that black-hole that seems to absorb many random objects – why not apply for a library card, or make a book purchase for your little one every month (visit second hand bookstores in your area for great deals)! Make sure there is always a book for your kids to ready in your nappy bag or backpack, this will keep them busy on outings and can stimulate the imagination wherever you are!
4. A trip to the library can be a super fun outing. Make libraries fun! As soon as my child turned one I got him his very own library card and every two weeks we make a special trip to the library. Before we leave I get him excited about the trip. When we are there we sift through all the books, read a story or two at the library and then we end off with a picnic at a nearby park. Later that night he gets his dad to read him his new books, excitement for the whole family!
5. Bring books to life! Books are there to broaden your knowledge and to ignite your imagination. Bring them to life for your children by reading stories enthusiastically. Change the tone of your voice appropriately, exaggerate parts, do sound effects, use hand gestures, even stand and prance about if the story allows – put actions into what you are reading. This is a sure way to get your kid’s attention and make them feel just ass passionate as you do about the book.  

In our modern world we are all too prone to encourage or resort to Ipad and Computer play. Don't get me wrong, these things have their place too, but let's not forget the magic that a book beholds - let us give our children the opportunity to explore the magic that we call BOOKS!

Much love - @sweetpea

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