Read Along With Them

It's never too early (or too late) to introduce your child to reading. Here are some ways to help you along.

Buy beautiful looking books: Your toddler is likely to enjoy the touch, feel and look of the book. Get him on your lap and read aloud to him. He will begin to associate time with books and reading. Read aloud from "anything": As your child grows older, keep up (or create) the reading-time-together habit, but now introduce a variety into the reading material; A fairytale; an age-appropriate piece from the newspaper; a comic book.

Stop suddenly, build up suspense: As soon as your child learns to read small sentences, continue reading aloud to him, pointing out the words as you go along. But stop at an interesting turn to the story and feign tiredness. Chances are that he would soon be tempted to find out what happens next and pick up the book.

Get your older child involved: Siblings tend to imitate each other, so make sure that your older one is present when the younger one reads. Sometimes, he or she can take up your role and read to his little brother/sister - this makes a difference.

Don't link reading to learning: Let him enjoy reading, the learning will follow naturally. Give him a wide choice of books. Take him book shopping, make it a fun outing.

For The Late Beginner

Read yourself to set an example. Tell him you seldom get bored anywhere because you always have a book for company. The TV and computer do not compare because in reading a book, the descriptions and the word play taps your imagination and brings more lasting joy. Also, add variety to his leisure. Take him to a bookshop and help him pick up anything he feels he may enjoy (even comics are fine). Push him a little to get him to read at least 3-4 pages every day. If the book is interesting, he is likely to want to try more. Remember not to force him to read instead of watching TV. Give him time to get used to it.

A Thought For You

Reading broadens the mind like little else, but the fact is, today means of communication are far more than they were in your growing up years so don't fret too much if your child doesn't read as much as you did. It does not mean he is growing up "badly". Just keep trying and if he does read, engage him in a conversation about what he's read and encourage him to try some more books, maybe from the same author.