[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” rc_link_color=”primary-1″ rc_link_hover_color=”primary-6″][vc_column][vc_row_inner padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column_inner content_width=”65″][crocal_single_image image=”8606″ image_shape=”radius-10″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][crocal_title heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h5″]Every childminder or nursery teacher knows that reading to children during the early years is one of the best ways to establish a good reading habit.[/crocal_title][vc_column_text]It is also well known that children want to spend time with their parents, but some parents don’t view reading together as an option. Sometimes they think “reading” should be taught at the nursery, or they feel unsure how to help their child read and don’t know what to do and say when reading to their children.
The first challenge is to encourage parents to engage with the idea of spending quality reading time with their children. The second is to give parents the right advice!
So we’ve compiled the best tips from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to help you support parents to create the habit of reading at home.
The basics of a great reading habit for all ages
a) Encourage parents to read aloud to their child for at least 15 minutes each day. Children who are avid readers were read to every day from a very young age. Invite parents to make reading a regular event at home. Encourage parents to read to their child at least five days a week.
b) Ask parents to read books multiple times to their child. Reading the same book over and over again reinforces language development and encourages children to participate in the reading activity.
Birth to 2 years old
It may seem silly to read to a baby, but it will undoubtedly help parents establish an essential foundation for future learning.
According to DPIL, the earlier you start, the better the results!
Reading = snuggling!
Read for short periods with your child on your lap or next to you. Being close to you is just as important as reading.
Keep books handy!
Set up a space to keep your child’s books where they will be accessible.
Be flexible!
Take a break if your child is unhappy or fussy. Read multiple times each day for short periods rather than one longer period if that works better.
2 to 3 years old
At this age, children are building up vocabulary each time parents read them the same book. It is important to ask parents to encourage children to participate in the reading activity by asking them questions.
Give parents some ideas of what to do:
Ask questions!
Ask your child simple questions about the book.
Examples: What was your favourite part of the book? Where did Corduroy go when he explored the store?
Notice letters!
Point out letters in the text. Example: Let’s find the m’s on this page.
Flip it!
Have your child open the cover and turn the pages of the book while you read.
Name it!
Ask your child to name items in the pictures before reading the text.
Chime in!
Encourage your child to “read” with you on familiar books and repetitive text.
What do you do when your child refuses to read?
Sometimes parents will complain about their child being reluctant to read. If this happens, follow this advice:
- Reassure parents that the new reading habit doesn’t have to begin with a book but with a conversation about what the child loves most.
- An easy approach is to ask parents what topic or activity the child loves to do at home, and then you can offer them further advice.
- Invite parents to talk with the child about their favourite topics or activity. For example, if the child likes to watch a cartoon, talking about the characters, their personalities, or even the colours is a great way to start.
We are confident that you can find a way to engage parents and motivate them to start these conversations at home.
3 to 5 years old
Advise parents to create a safe and comfortable home environment. It may not be an easy thing to do, but you can help parents with ideas to bring focus and direction while supporting their children to read at home.
Think about it!
Ask your child questions about the characters or the story that require predicting, imagining, or making inferences.
Examples: How do you think Madeline feels right now? If you were Peter Rabbit, what would you do?
Make it relevant!
Relate books to your child’s life.
Example: Can you think of a time you were reluctant to try something new like Little Burro?
Begin with sounds!
Point out beginning sounds.
Example: Did you hear a word that started with the same MMMMM sound as your name?
Name it!
Practice letter names.
Example: Name the letters you recognise on the cover of the book.
Read it!
Encourage your child to read common words.
Example: This word, t-h-e, is the. Help me read “the” when you see it in the book.
Encourage curiosity!
Respond to your child’s questions about letters, numbers, and reading.
Did you know?
By donating to our Children 1st fundraising campaign, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will deliver books every month to children in the UK who need it most! Start donating now.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner content_width=”65″][crocal_single_image image=”8440″ image_shape=”radius-10″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
