5 Tips For Growing Children's Interest In Reading

Illustration (Cottonbro/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Entering today's technological era, many children don't like reading. Because they are more interested in gadgets that are like their new lifestyle. In fact, the saying goes that books are windows of knowledge. Instilling an attitude of fondness for reading will affect one's intelligence. Therefore, reading needs to be made one of the mandatory activities that parents instill since their children are small.

How? Here, VOI summarizes five tips for growing children's interest in reading, as quoted from Very Well Family, Wednesday, 15 February.

Read together

Experts agree that reading with children is the best way to foster a love of reading. The purpose of reading is a social activity, not solitary, so that this activity can build parent-child bonding, as well as increase knowledge and curiosity. Create fun and interactive situations so that children want to ask questions, listen, and not get bored.

Talk about the contents of the book

When reading to babies and young children, take time to look at pictures and talk about what your little one sees in the book. This approach will promote greater understanding and engagement. You can also use voice-overtones to bring stories to life.

As you read, pause and ask questions. Have the child predict what will happen, summarize what happened so far, or ask them their thoughts on why the characters did what they did.

Read often

Routine, consistency, and repetition will help reading become a habit. If possible, try to have reading time every day, whether the child is reading alone or reading with parents. Also, try to read for 15 to 30 minutes every day before bed.

Build interest and curiosity

Choose books that reflect your child's interests, whether they are about butterflies, sports, fairies, frogs, or superheroes. This will help maintain the child's interest in reading. You can also let your child choose his own book. If you're not sure where to start, ask teachers, friends, librarians, and other parents for recommendations.

Become a model for children

If you want to have a child who likes to read, then be a model for your child. If possible, take time during the day to relax, sit and read. Watching you read gives the impression that reading is an enjoyable activity. Your reading doesn't have to be a book. It can be in newspapers, recipes, food labels, in print, or online.