"How Parents can Encourage Reading: 8 Proven Strategies"

Children are reading less which impacts future academic success. Here are 8 proven strategies on how parents can encourage reading?

Children today are reading far less compared to previous decades. A recent survey in the US has shown a significant decline in the number of students reading for pleasure.

While there could be several factors contributing to this trend, studies clearly indicate that children's interest in literature is on the decline. This is problematic as research has shown how essential reading frequently is due to its impact on academic success. Reading has numerous cognitive benefits that increase the potential for academic success. It has also been proven that students who read more frequently also do better on reading tests. Therefore, it is essential for parents to encourage their children to read for fun.

Reading to your children not only cultivates a love for reading but also improves vocabular (Vukelich,1984) . Research highlights the significance of vocabulary in understanding language and its impact on reading proficiency.

Parents might wonder how to cultivate this interest in their children. Research has determined that certain parental behaviours’ can increase children’s interest in reading and influence their reading habits. These include engaging in regular reading sessions with their children, demonstrating the joy and practicality of reading, and providing ample access to reading materials. The researchers emphasize the pivotal role that parents play in actively encouraging their children's engagement with books and literature.

The key is to establish a consistent reading routine, especially during children's early years. By regularly reading to their children, parents can not only expand their child's vocabulary but also help them foster a genuine love for literature. We are going to list the 8 proven strategies on how parents can encourage reading.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO ENCOURAGE READING:

1.     Utilize your local library:

• Looking to instil a passion for reading in your little one without a high price tag?

• Your local library is the perfect place to start! With a plethora of books to choose from, it's a cost-effective way to introduce children to the wonders of literature.
  

2.     Find a dedicated time for reading:

• For many parents, reading to their child just before bedtime is ideal.

• The key is to make it a consistent habit, regardless of how long you read for.

3.     Discuss the new vocabulary:

• Understanding new words goes beyond just reading a book and briefly mentioning the new vocabulary words; engaging in conversations and explanations about the new words in it is essential.

• By providing explicit instruction on new words, you can help your child improve their overall word knowledge, particularly if they struggle with a poorer vocabulary.
  

4.     Persevere:

• It can be disheartening when your child doesn't seem interested in the book you're reading aloud to them, but don't lose hope.

• Stay persistent and continue reading to them, as over time, their curiosity will spark, and their interest will grow.
  

5. Allow your child to choose books which interest them:

• Granting your child the freedom to choose books that they enjoy is of utmost importance.

• For slightly older children, encourage them to select books that align with their personal preferences.

• Whether it's books about animals, nature, or even fiction, the vast array of choices available nowadays ensures that there's something that will captivate your child's interest and foster a love for reading.
  

6. Do not choose books which are too hard or too easy:

• Selecting books that strike a balance between the two is crucial for your child's reading development.

• Experts advise choosing books that incorporate unfamiliar words yet remain comprehensible, so that your child can encounter new vocabulary without struggling to follow the story.
  

7. Make use of audiobooks:

• Audiobooks can be a wonderful tool for your child to cultivate a passion for literature through the joy of listening to stories being read aloud.

• Moreover, they serve as a valuable example of excellent reading, expression, and communication skills.

• When you find yourself pressed for time, audiobooks offer a fantastic alternative to personally reading to your child.
  

8. Sing songs and nursery rhymes from early on:

• Research indicates that increased parent-infant interaction, specifically through talking and singing nursery rhymes, can have a positive influence on language outcomes.

•  Research supports the idea that engaging in more conversations and singing with infants, particularly through nursery rhymes, has a positive impact on their language development. Reading to children is a simple yet powerful way to boost their academic achievements. It is crucial for parents to prioritize this activity while their children are still young. Good reading habits are easy to form and will ensure your children reap the benefits for the remainder of their lives.
  

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