TV shows, movies and video games galore! It's a wonder anyone gets anything done anymore. If your child would rather watch cartoons than sit patiently and read a book, he's no different than many other kids. However, that doesn't mean he can't also develop a love of reading. By making a few adjustments to your daily routine, you can encourage him to read more--and help him learn that reading is an integral and fun part of life.
Step 1
Read to your child as much as you can from the time she is small. Take advantage of monotonous car rides by audibly reading words on road signs. Read her the box of cereal while she's eating. Let her see that words and reading are a part of everyday life rather than a chore. She will want to know the meanings of some words even before she knows how to read. Soon she will be able to recognize some words. Offer her lots of praise every time she reads or tries to read anything.
Step 2
Buy lots of reading material and make it accessible throughout the house. Reading should seem commonplace to your child, so he doesn't feel overwhelmed when he enters school. Even when your child is a baby, you can place soft books within his reach. Have magazines, newspapers, books and even comic books sitting on the coffee table, near the toilet and in his room. Out of curiosity, he should pick them up on his own.
Step 3
Do your own reading. Since your child looks up to you and follows your lead, take the opportunity to get into that book you've been meaning to read. By showing her you have an interest in the written word, reading won't seem like a chore. Consider having a family reading time when the television is turned off and every family member reads a book of his choice.
Step 4
Turn reading into a reward. Buy your child books as presents and rewards for good behavior. Also consider giving her a weekly book allowance. Make use of your local library's free story time; it will nourish your child and give you a small break. Also reward her with reading time. For example, if she is younger, you can promise to read her a certain number of books before bedtime, based on how quickly she can get ready for bed. If she is older, you can let her read in bed, pushing back her bedtime 15 to 30 minutes, based on how quickly she can put on her pajamas and brush her teeth.
Step 5
Investigate what toys and TV shows he loves and buy him books that fit with his preferences. Gone are the days of snooze-inducing "See Spot Run," and "Fun with Dick and Jane." Your child may have to read some less-than-exciting school books to prove his technical skills, but today there are many types of books that are almost like toys for children. Let home reading (aside from homework) turn into an opportunity to read about his favorite dinosaurs or "episodes" of his favorite cartoon.
