23/02/2022
How to turn your non-reader into reader!!!
Reading is a never ending journey.
In times, where all kind of fancy electronic gadgets are vying and calling for your child’s attention; the poor old dusty book lying quietly on the book shelf in the corner of the room stands no chance.
Surely, something can be done about it, can’t it?
As much as everyone knows reading is important; somehow, the charm and the art of reading is lost upon the current generation.
As Roald Dahl suggested in his poem “Television” – Throw out the idiot box and replace it with a book shelf. Well, you don’t have to do this literally. You can create and work on a mutually desirable agreement and take baby steps to inculcate a desire for reading in your child.
Increase the visibility of books in your house. Keep them strategically at places where the child is likely to view them. This will definitely increase the chances of them picking up the book or exploring them. Keep them near the television, near his computer or on his study desk.
Have 10 minutes of daily newspaper reading ritual in the morning. Let the child explore articles which catches his/her attention and have a meaningful discussion with your child.
Regulating gadget time can help. Creating mutually acceptable contract for viewing time, playing games online need to be set. This will allow child to explore other avenues of engagement. Reading can become one of it.
Gather few of his/her friends and start once a week book club. Explore genres and books appropriate to their age. Read along, have discussions and play vocabulary games.
Give your child variety of options to choose from. Don’t get too hung up with the idea that your child should read ‘Harry Potter’ only. Even if the child reads a comic, that’s wonderful as long as he or she is reading.
Encourage your child to maintain a reading journal where he or she can jot down thoughts on books, characters and plots.
Practice what you preach! If you read in front of your child, in all probability your child would pick up a book too.
Set a target/goal for yourself and your child. Like say, I will read 5 pages a day or one book a month. Make the goal visible by writing it in bold on a chart or post it notes and put it where it is visible to all. Keep a log.
Consistent efforts do yield results. Be patient.
Remember, it’s a trial and error. You will not get it right the first time. You will have to keep on trying and not give up. Your expectations from your child are directly proportional to the efforts you put.
Happy Reading!
Today's readers, Tomorrow leaders.
