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Encouraging reading in your child

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Encouraging the habit of reading in your child is essential for promoting speech and language skills and also boosting his vocabulary. Reading is the ultimate way to learn and enrich vocabulary and with kids, it is the best thing to begin as early as possible. Knowledge is very important in everyone’s life and the right way to gain knowledge is through books. The more books you read to your children, the more knowledge they absorb.

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You can read anything to your kid – from comics, storybooks, to newspapers. Reading also helps in understanding the context in which a word is being used in any sentence or conversation. It is very important to create a suitable environment for reading at home and slowly make it a habit. It gives your child everything he needs for developing his speech and language skills to stimulation, positive role modeling and human contact.

Reading different kinds of books from various genres can help your child improve his intellect and develop early literacy skills as well. So, how do you read to your child? Well, we can simplify it using the following tips:

1. Following words the right way

It is important that your child learns to follow words across the page from left to right. He should also be able to turn pages slowly. You have to teach your child how to hold the book, flip pages, follow words using his fingers to begin and help him become better readers later on.

2. Go slow

When you read books to your child, do it slowly, describing the words, pronouncing them clearly. Ask him to repeat the word after you.

3. Using voice modulation

When you read to your child any kind of a story, use voice modulation, enact the characters. Next, ask to recap the story, help him with prompts if he misses something. When you have completed reading the book, recap the information while repeating any new words or ideas that you would have come across.

4. Go for a variety

Always read different types of books and on different topics. Even if these are in different languages, it is fun and your child can grasp it. It will give him a wide range of information to learn from. Try to choose from informative books on topics like different animals, mythological stories, plants, weather, places, objects, etc. These books will help and teach your child about important life skills like sharing, being kind, and being honest.

5. Relaxed reading

Some days if you feel you are too tired, make time to sit down with your child. Even if it is just for a few minutes a day, it’s okay. Spend some quiet time with your child, away from distractions. Look at a book together and talk about the pictures. It will relax you as well.

6. Avoid distractions

While you read to your child, turn off the TV and take out the pacifier/dummy. Kids will never learn any language or social skills by watching TV. Too much technology before or during the school-going age can affect listening and attention skills in your child and this will have an impact on his learning once he starts school or has already started it.

7. A set-time for reading

You can fix a time for reading and tell your child upfront so he looks forward to it. Arrange a nice cozy corner of your house with books and sit comfortably and read to your child. Reading sparks your child's imagination, stimulating his curiosity. This ultimately boosts his brain development

8. Go for some role-play through reading

Did you know you can help your child build his empathy and feelings through reading books and role playing? When you read stories, explain the character’s feelings. Ask your child how he felt about it! Whether he felt pain, sorrow, hurt, happy, angry. Listen intently. If there are two characters in the story, you can enact one, letting your child enact the other. This will teach him the concept of empathy the right way.

9. Opt for picture books

If you want your child to read, you have to be a perfect model. Read in front of him so he understands and picks up something to look at it. Pictures help your child connect with the words easily. They also make a book interesting to look at for a child, as colors are your child’s best buddy.

10. Focus on the words and their meanings

While you read to your child, if you get a new word, explain the meaning and use it in a sentence so the little one understands. Again, use it a few more times in one-two days, so the word gets registered in your child’s mind.

11. Indulge your child in conversations

Allow your child to speak and listen to him. Start a conversation during an activity or homework time and listen when he frames sentences. Minimize other distractions during this period. You can ask open-ended questions, which help in developing his imagination. Let him think and answer. Give him time and praise once he finishes it.

12. Look into his vocabulary

Whenever he uses new words in the right context, encourage and appreciate him in abundance. This will inspire him to explore more new words.

13. 'Word of the Day'

During the reading time, have word a day session. Teach him new words and assist him to use the same in a sentence. Keep repeating the words so that he masters them. You can also opt for a ‘Word of the Day’ theme. This way, each new day, you can teach him one new complex word.

Grandma’s Tip: While you can teach your child words and meanings during the day, before going to bed, just read a small bedtime story. Snug into the bed with your child and read the book to him. This will relax him and unwind and set a perfect atmosphere for him to go to sleep. Spending time with one another, while reading can bring parents closer to children.

Reading is a great way for you and your child to wind down, relax, and bond.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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