Encourage your child to develop interest in reading

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.” –Vera Nazarian

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

“I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx

“There are many little ways to enlarge your world.  Love of books is the best of all.” - Jacqueline Kennedy

Definition of reading

According to Wikipedia, Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning (reading comprehension). It is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information and ideas. Like all language, it is a complex interaction between the text and the reader which is shaped by the reader’s prior knowledge, experiences, attitude, and language community which is culturally and socially situated. The reading process requires continuous practice, development, and refinement.

Currently most reading is either of the printed word from ink or toner on paper, such as in a book, magazine, newspaper, leaflet, or notebook, or of electronic displays, such as computer displays, television, mobile phones or e-readers.

Ways to encourage your child develop interest in reading

• The most critical aspect of reading is usually how your child feels about reading. Positive reinforcement from you as the parent and from their teachers would go a long way in helping your child. Let your child know you care about his/her reading. 
• It’s not advisable to force your child to read as this would yield no positive results. You may need to set aside a reading time when the whole family reads this would make your child have it at the back of his/her mind that that particular time is reading time though your child might feel reluctant but would have no choice but to comply. Let your child chose what he/she wants to read at that time. 
• Be your child’s model when it comes to reading. When your child see’s you ready he/she will have a flare for reading too. He/she will see reading as an easy thing and accept it as a way of life. 
• Reading to children is also one of the best ways to encourage interest in reading. Reading aloud can be very helpful. My 5years old son loves it when I read aloud to him. I notice he enjoys that more but I try to make him read too so he’ll know how to read well. So, if your child is willing, irrespective of his/she age, try to read aloud. You can encourage your older children to read to their younger ones. 
• Display good books somewhere in your home. Let your children know that books have an important place in the home. And don't limit the books to a few essentials, have a generous selection of a wide variety of books. 
• Your child’s reading pase could be very slow at this age; you’ll need to be very patient with him/her. If your child decides to read something to you, just be patient and let him/her read to you. 
• Praise your child for his/her reading when appropriate. For example, praise your child when he/she gets to pronounce a difficult word and when a long or difficult book is completed. I noticed my 5years old son gets so excited when I praise him each time he pronounces a difficult word.

         “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller