Reading is a hugely exciting activity children should get stuck into, while ultimately improving their English writing skills, boosting creativity and allowing them to learn more about vocabulary and sentence structure. For ways of bringing your child up surrounded by books, here are some top tips from an English language consultancy.
Give your child books as presents
Show your child that receiving books can be really exciting and full of fun. There might be a popular book that their school friends are enjoying at the same time and want to follow the trend or join in. A special edition of a book you know they’ll enjoy can make it even more of a special moment for them, knowing that they have a version that’s different to others.
Take your child to the library
Not only is the library full of books your child can pick up and take away to read, but it’s also a place where activities and games are held to improve childrens’ reading skills. Get your child involved in the local reading challenges set up at most libraries where they have the chance to earn prizes or rewards and discover a range of different worlds through stories.
Read with your child together
Act like a reader by pointing at the words you’re saying as you read, pause to talk about what’s happening in the story and how they feel about what’s happening. Give them the chance to open up to you about how they’re finding the story and what they find exciting.
Be open with your child about reading
Have conversations with your child regularly about what they’re learning about in school, and what they’re reading. Showing that you’re interested in what they’re reading will encourage them to pick up more books in the future. If you’re an avid reader yourself, show them how much you read by talking about the books you enjoy and what genres you tend to read.
Laura x