There are many articles which mention the importance of reading to a child. A simple Google search will give hundreds of articles.
Here, I am writing my experiences of reading to my child or rather, Reading with my child.
Reading to a child can start as early as 6-7 months or so. Research shows that we can start much before. Just start with buying a board book and put that together with the toys. Let the kid take it as a toy and enjoy the book. Slowly, when he is playing, read something to him. If it is a rhyme book, say a rhyme, or point to one object and say the word. Do this consistently repeatedly.
Again as he grows older, introduce more books. Just keep the books here and there in different places in the house. And when he is in good mood, show him the book. He should grow with the book.
Depending on his interest, start with story books. Always pick a book which has pictures with bright colors in that. The kids love bright colors.
Read the books repeatedly. Repetition is the key. We might feel bored reading the same thing again and again. But the kids love to hear the story again and again. They will demand us to repeat n number of times. Do it as and when the child demands.
I have realized that reading time is best time to bond with the kid. Make reading a routine of the day. Introduce correct books as per the age.
My guru in this is my co-sister. I have gathered all these information from her. She gifts books to my child as per her age and liking. Its better I ask her to write a post on reading. She is an expert.
Some websites of interest
http://www.ehow.com/how_5847294_jumpstart-early-reading-skills-toddler.html
Reading to a child is one of the best presents a parent can give him/her.
ReplyDeleteit not only inculcates a sense of togetherness but also helps in developing the vocabulary.
Nowadays kids need to be fluent in atleast two languages--English and their mother tongue.
Reading to a child improves his knowledge of the language.
I had spent a lot of time reading to my older child as a result of which she has not only picked up the habit of reading but is also effortlessly writing her essays etc.
My younger one,in spite of all my efforts does not like to read anything other than school books and that too under pressure.
But I still persevere and hope that one day she will pick up a book for the joy of reading it.
But she loves to listen to stories and so now i read half of it and ask her to finish it by herself.
Telling stories related to folklore will inculcate in them a sense of our culture and like the panchatantra says teach them more values.
Bed time should always include a story as in the dark the child will be able to let his/ her imagination fly and will visualise each character as he/she wants to