September is upon us, and so is the new school year. It is worth considering how to prepare children for school. This can be done, for example, with the help of reading – a simple and effective way to improve the speech, spelling and grammar of a younger student. But how to inspire a child to book exploits?
Surely you have already thought of the simplest solution – “bribery”. According to a survey conducted by British publisher Rising Stars and Coventry University, 60% of parents in the UK “bribe” their children to read. At the same time, each read book, page or minute spent reading can be paid.
Reward stickers and stars (32%), later bedtime (23%), extra time at the computer or in front of the TV (14%), cash (8%), trips to theme parks and hikes become “currency” to the zoo (7%), as well as sweets (5%).
However, Professor of Psychology at the University of Rochester (USA) and author of Why We Do What We Do, Edward Deci argues that in this case, “your children will read only as long as your experiment lasts.”
Due to “bribes”, reading becomes associated with some tedious duty, for which payment must necessarily follow. But how to infect children with a passion for reading, so that it becomes a reward in itself?
Specialists of the British educational company Pearson in the “Guide to Children’s Reading” offer 10 simple tips, proven in practice:
1. Let books become part of the life of the whole family. Surround the children with books and regularly replenish your bookcase with new editions.
2. Sign up at your local library. Give your child the opportunity to find interesting books on the shelf, participate in various competitions, go to a lecture by a children’s writer.
3. Read together whatever you like. Let it be poetry, comics, anecdotes, recipes, newspapers, magazines, at least an explanatory dictionary. Anything. Don’t limit yourself to “high” or “useful” literature.
4. Get comfortable. Create a cozy family reading nook with a floor lamp and a blanket.
5. Ask questions about the text. Start with “Where did we stop last time?”, “Do you remember what happened to the hero in this chapter?”, “What do you think will happen next?”.
6. Carry Small Magazines or Books – they will be indispensable on the road, in line at the store or at the doctor’s appointment.
7. Reread your favorite stories over and over. Rereading improves reading skills and gives the little reader confidence.
8. Read at night. These moments of emotional closeness after a long day are perfect for reading and discussion.
9. Consider the interests of the child. If all his interests mainly revolve around a computer or TV, get him books based on his favorite cartoons or an encyclopedia on passing computer games.
10. Read aloud and with expression, apply your acting skills. For younger readers, choose books with repetition and rhyme.