Are you thinking about inculcating reading habits in your toddler? If you have curious, energetic and inquisitive kids around you at home then it’s the right time to instill the reading habits in them. Reading will help the little ones to learn new vocabulary and will improve their way of thinking and creativity. The reading activity also enhances and strengthens the bond with the toddler from their early childhood.
We, at Daisy Montessori School, ensure reading to be a part of learning from an early age. As one of the leading playschools in Bangalore, we also try to incorporate simple and enjoyable methods to make reading a part of everyday activities.
Here we are sharing some simple techniques you can use at home to make your preschoolers develop an interest in reading and books.
1. Make it a Point to Read to Them Daily
Pre-readers can and should be read to. Reading picture books with large illustrations and simple words is ideal. Discuss the illustrations while also utilizing ‘what’, ‘who’, and ‘where’ questions. Your child should be allowed to hold the book and flip the pages.
2. Make It Entertaining
For young children, reading should never feel like doing a chore. Therefore, try to engage them, use funny voices, act out the story characters, or sing it to them. Engage the little ones in as many ways as possible with questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you spot this character, color or alphabets on this page?”. Encourage children’s interest with stories, puppets, and picture books. When children enjoy reading, they ask for books, again and again!
3. Let Your Child Choose Books
Bring your child to a library or bookstore and allow them to pick whichever book they want. It can be about animals, cars, colors, or even fairy tales. Anything that will put a smile on their face. Children feel more motivated to read books when they get to choose them on their own.
4. Show Them You Love Reading Too
Kids imitate what you do. When they see you reading a book, a newspaper, or even a recipe, they realize adults also read and find the need to pick one up too.
Additionally, one can read their book while their child looks at theirs making the time quiet yet enjoyable together.
5. Maintaining the Reading Habit in Summer
A lot of kids put down their books when the clock signals the end of the school year. It is good to note, however, that reading can be done in a more free and easy fashion. This is part of the reason why we offer summer preschool programs at Daisy Montessori, with so many interesting reading activities, games, and stories.
Our summer preschool programs are aimed at trying to kindle the reading interests of children, enabling them to socialize, and appreciate the learning process even during the holidays.
6. Every Step, No Matter How Small is A Cause for Celebration
Not all kids have the same reading acquisition speed and that is perfectly fine. Kids may take their time. We would suggest young parents celebrate each and every small victory be it a letter recognition, word, color or character identification. Celebrate every little thing.
You can celebrate in many ways such as giving a clap, a high-five, or by just simply telling them that you’re proud of them, they’ve done a good job. These simple praises go a long way in boosting their happiness and confidence.
Conclusion
Reading is something that will benefit your children throughout their lifetime. Starting early can change and shape children’s behavioral patterns, their emotional well-being and their readiness for school. A child can learn to love books when the entire process is made fun, interesting and engaging.
Daisy Montessori is one of the leading preschools in Bangalore. As a premier, we really make efforts to encourage and foster creativity and provide a variety of activities and motor skills to develop emotional intelligence and positive discipline in child behavior.
Now let’s work together to cultivate a positive reading culture in your child and you will love it!
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