The benefits of reading and how to support your child's reading at home.

Reading is not one of the most common things children like to do at present. It usually takes the back seat to playing, being on gadgets, watching TV and other technology-driven activities. However, reading experiences between parents and children build vital learning skills for the future. Reading, or being read to helps build vocabulary & understanding of the world.

Here are some tips to support your child’s reading at home.

Take breaks while reading

Your child does not have to finish reading a book in one go. Any time spent on reading or talking about a book is fine. In time, they will want to spend longer hours to read.

Build reading into your child’s daily routine

Find a regular time that works best for your child – after dinner, before bedtime, after breakfast. Create a ‘reading corner’ & let your child decorate it so that they will look forward to going there to read.

Encourage your child to follow their interests

Place several books in their reading corner and let them pick a book to read each time. Let them turn the pages even if they skip a page or two.

Encourage your child to be the author

Let them write or draw their own stories. Model this behaviour by telling them about your childhood.

Have a chat

Talk to them, listen to them as many times as you can. Ask them questions, share your ideas.  Children who have regular conversations with their parents or carers are confident & resilient.

Research shows that reading also helps build vocabulary & improve communication skills. Children with good vocabulary & communication skills are able to make friends easily, have fewer behavioural issues, and are more likely to dwell academically. A strong, early foundation in language is also linked to better mental health.

We hope this blog article about reading was helpful and informative. Enjoy your reading time! 

ActiKid – Nourishing the next generation.    

This article contains general information regarding health and well-being. This information is not intended as advice and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to advice from medical or educational professionals.