Research shows that reading to your
children is one of the best ways to ensure your child’s interest in the world of
books. Reading to children when they are infants and preschoolers helps them learn new
words, increases their ability to concentrate, and makes them want to learn to read.
Children then take those strong verbal skills with them to school, where learning to read
is that much easier. Think of all of the school lessons ahead for your child that will
depend on being a good reader, and you’ll see the importance of family reading time
in your child’s school success.
Special
Challenges for Working Parents: Parents who work all day may wonder how they can fit reading
time into the few hours they have together with their children. A few suggestions:
·
Anything
and everything. Encourage your child to read anything – cereal boxes,
trading cards, signs, magazine ads, pictures in newspapers. Or find a favorite recipe and
read it with your child as you prepare it together.
·
Read
and ride. Working families often spend extra time in the car as
children ride to and from school and childcare. Use road time to read vanity license
plates, find plates from different states, and read billboards and interesting road signs.
Also, keep a few favorite books or books-on-tape in a book bag for reading on the road.
·
Better
than TV. Read a good action story to replace an evening television
program. Start an exciting chapter book with your family and they’ll be eager to hear
what comes next. If you’re too tired for reading aloud, ask an older child in the
family to do the reading, or use a story tape.
·
Pack
a book. When you’re going someplace with your child where there
might be a long wait – such as the doctor’s office or an airline terminal –
bring along a book bag of favorite books.
·
Phone
home. Work the night shift or can’t get away from the office?
Keep a few children’s books at work. Instead of a coffee break, call home and take
time to read to your child.
·
Book
exchange. Find a family whose children are similar in age to yours and
exchange a favorite book. Wrap the book to make it a special event, or include a potluck
dinner for all.
·
Distance
parenting. Parents who are separated from their children can also play
a role. Try reading a book to your child over the phone, or cut out favorite cartoons and
funny articles to send. Make story tapes in your own voice to send. Ask your children to
send favorite stories, cartoons and jokes to you. Make reading a family activity when the
children are with you.
Library
time. Your public library is a gold mine when it comes to reading.
Work with your librarian to find books your children will enjoy. Library time may fit best
into your schedule if you make it a stop on the way home from work and childcare. Pack a
snack and stop for a picnic on the way. Linger while you’re there – read a book
to your children, allow time for them to explore and choose books of their own. Check the
schedule for special events, such as story or activity times.
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