Children and Books
Why exactly do kids think that reading is so boring? Simply because there is so much going on outside the home-and even inside with all the new gadgets and gizmos with which they play-that they think is much more interesting. While physical activity is great for the body, reading can be stimulating for the mind. There isn’t any reason why your child can’t be both an outdoorsy type and a reader. It’s your job as a parent to make reading fun and engaging, because all kids love something that is fun.
It’s hard to interest your kids in an indoor activity if their mind is on what the others are doing outside. They want to be out there with their friends, doing all that fun stuff! There are things that you can do to make them have a keen interest in reading, also. With just a few simple changes to the routine you can have your children begging for story time and even wanting to read a book to you.
Take them to the library and get them their very own library card. Kids are proud to have something they consider ‘adult.’ Explain to them that a library card is very special, and they should take good care of it. Ask your librarian to introduce them to other kids who are using the library. Kids being kids, they will form friendships quickly, and perhaps have a common interest.
Children have a special fascination for anything that is weird or different. Don’t tell them that they shouldn’t be reading things that you find silly. They are the ones who are reading it, not you. Chances are they will grow out of the phase eventually, but for now, let them be. As long as they are reading something, they are learning. Fantasy stories, stories about wizards and the like will keep kids occupied for hours. Encourage them to tell you what the story is about, be genuinely interested, and ask questions. Ask them to summarize the story or even put on a play or a puppet show about their favorite book.
Have a sit down story time for the whole family, with each person reading aloud from his or her favorite book. Everyone should participate and make appropriate comments. Have your child, and everyone joining in, give a brief idea about the story before reading a chapter or two. This will also help your child overcome a fear of speaking in public, or in front of an audience, and help to improve their vocabulary.
Unfortunately, children suffer from peer pressure, and some of their friends may call them names once they figure out that your child would rather read then play sports, so it is up to you to find a happy medium. No child wants to be known as a “nerd,” or a “bookworm”. Liking to read isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but sometimes it happens. It’s the children who are doing the name calling that are missing out on a great opportunity.
