The most underrated secret of our times is that reading is the key to unlock all the mind to learn. Whether your child has a talent in tennis, drama, art or STEM, developing a love for reading will bring them far. This was one of the lessons I learnt when training to be a teacher in one of the world’s best education systems. I have the privilege of seeing both sides of the fence – both in the classroom teaching and also at home, where I started reading to my kids who now are embarking on their own reading adventure. This site is a synthesis of all the many books and materials I’ve read. I certainly hope this helps you!
So how did I do it? Well, here are my top tips:
#1 Make reading FUN
Reading should always be a time of intrigue, suspense, adventure and pure entertainment. Parents and early childhood teachers are given a special advantage, where they can model and teach children that books are more interesting and fun (okay, or at least the same) than a screen! Just do whatever you imagined a great storyteller would do – slow down just before the climax, use a perky voice when talking about the main character, let your eyes wander to the top corner when the characters are pondering what to do next, or simply laugh when there is a funny moment. Whatever you do, make it FUN!
#2 Reading is about CONNECTION
While there maybe thousands of things you’d have to get through in a day, make reading one of those where you can have a 1-1 time with your special little one. Use a comfortable corner or even a cushioned chair. This time is for both of you to explore the book together, so take your time. I found that the best times are those where I myself was relaxed, and willing to put aside the tasks and to-dos just for those moments. Use the book to see how your child reacts to the animals, plants, colourful pictures and find out more about what draws their attention or makes them laugh. Books are a great tool also for them to respond and share their experiences in the day or their thoughts. Build the connection.
#3 You can read ANYTHING
Make reading aloud part of your routine everywhere you go. When the kids were younger I used to read them labels on supermarket shelves, bus advertisements, magazines, even the newspaper. Reading any and all mediums helps them pick up language much faster than anything else. So don’t be afraid to read to them even the most mundane of things, all words are good words!
#4 Take TIME
Schedule reading timeslots with your child throughout the day. I used breakfast and sleeping times as my constant reading slots while trying to do more on-the-go adhoc ones in between. Having these times also help set a routine in later life when you child can read. This may be difficult if you have more than one kid under the age of 4! Whatever you do, make sure that you are not in a hurry to finish the story. Leave gaps for response and also slowdown to let your child express their views or emotions.
#5 Ask QUESTIONS
One good technic I learnt from other teachers is to engage children from before the story begins – use the cover of the story to ask them who the main character is, or what they think the story would be about. You can also use pages where there is rising action or near the end to ask them what they’d do if they were the main character. On the flip side, don’t be afraid (I know it may be a little frustrating at times) for them to stop you mid-sentence to share their views or ask questions.
So here’s to our reading adventure with our little ones. You got this!