If you've ever dreamed of sharing the enchanting world of books with your little ones, buckle up because you're about to embark on an epic adventure! Raising a reader is opening up the doors of magic kingdoms and endless adventures that will make them laugh, cry, and dream.
It is not just about the school's success goal but the journey itself. Books are powerful tools that can be used anytime: for fun, for sharing something together, and even for explaining a concept that is hard to understand for little ones.
The Very Beginning
This quest begins right from the moment they open their eyes. Babies are sponges for everything around them, including language. Talking, singing, and even cooing with your baby lays the foundation for their language development. So, get cozy with them while you show them simple baby soft books from the very first months, and little by little introduce board books with simple images. Name the objects in the books and talk about what you see. Allow them to play with them, to grab them, to look at them and... even to chew them! Just make sure they have rounded edges to ensure safety during play.
Toddler Tales
As those little feet turn into toddling adventures, it's time to unleash board books upon them. With their sturdy pages and vibrant pictures, allow them to explore them, turn the pages, and see what's inside. Keep talking about the images, read simple stories, and make up silly stories about what you see. It's okay if your toddler gets up and starts playing, running, or interested in something else in the middle of the story. It is part of the process; do not argue about it. Keep reading!
Choose some books that invite your toddler to participate. Whether it's lifting flaps, feeling different textures, or making funny sounds, interactive books make reading an immersive experience.
Allow them to choose! They may be little, but they are already developing a sense of themselves, and they know what they like. Whether they are into animals, dinosaurs, princesses, or vehicles; empower them to decide!
Preschoolers
When your tiny tot becomes a preschooler, choose picture books with engaging stories and characters that make them giggle, think, and dream. Before reading, encourage them to make predictions based on the cover and pictures. After reading, you can ask them follow-up questions about the story and the message it may have: Can they make up a different ending? Why did the character behave that way?
Always provide opportunities to choose their own books. Even if their preferences are as diverse as a rainbow, supporting their choices fosters independence and a passion for exploring different worlds.
When children learn to read, Do Not stop reading to them!!!! The fact that they know how to read will not make this special bond disappear! They are still little, and they still enjoy being with you! Cherish these moments while you can! Encourage your child to read independently, but keep your reading routine together; you can keep reading to them or read a book together; take turns!
Bed Time Stories
Make reading part of your daily routine with children. Our favorite has always been bedtime stories. It is the perfect time to get cozy in our pajamas, a warm light, and a blanket. Add a book to this mix, and there it is—the perfect way to end the day. Children will always relate books to this cozy experience they have every day.
Library Quests
Take your child on quests to the library to pick out their very own books. Let them explore different genres and characters, nurturing their own reading preferences.
Be the Reading Role Model
Kids learn by example, and you're their ultimate role model. Let them see you enjoying books. Your love for reading will inspire their own.
Family Book Club
Turn reading into a family affair. Choose a book to read together and have mini-book club discussions. It's a fantastic way to bond and share thoughts about stories.
Exposure
Make books accessible for your children and place them somewhere they can reach them at every stage. Children need to be able to grab, explore, and play with them before reading them. We have books in every room of our house to make them always a go-to choice when boredom is around. And never leave the house without something to read (just in case).
Embrace Every Stage
Just like in an epic tale, the reading journey changes as your child grows. From board books to picture books to chapter books, embrace each stage and celebrate their reading milestones.
Raising a reader isn't just about reading words – it's about igniting their curiosity, nurturing their imagination, and creating a lifelong love for reading. So grab your trusty stack of books, gather your little adventurers, and embark on a journey that will fill your hearts with wonder and your minds with stories that will last a lifetime.