As per NCFE “Reading is an essential skill for children to develop. Not only will it help them learn new things, but it will also make them better human.”

shows that kids who start early reading have a better vocabulary, comprehension skills, attention span, and a higher level of confidence. It’s a great tool to improve and sharpen memory too.

However, getting kids to start early reading can be challenging for parents and turning it into a reading habit is even more. Reading helps your kids to get familiar with new people, food, new places, environments and culture.

To help your child succeed in school, you should do your part to ensure that your kid starts school with a strong foundation in reading skill. In the early elementary years – from first through third grades – your child will continue learning how to read, which is a complex process that is difficult for some and easy for others. 

First up, let's ditch the "must-reads" and embrace the "want-to-reads!" Let your kids pick books that make their eyes sparkle like disco balls. Dragons? Dinosaurs? Talking veggies? Go for it! Reading for kids should be an adventure, not a chore.

“Once you learn to read you will be forever free” Fedrick Douglass

Books aren't just pages filled with words; they're portals to fantastical worlds, doorways to knowledge, and comfy companions for rainy days. But how do we, as parents and guardians, nurture a love for reading in our little ones?

Here are some simple tips to encourage your kid’s interest in early reading habits.

           1. Make it a Family Affair:
 

• Reading together: Snuggle up for bedtime stories, share picture books during the day, or take turns reading chapters aloud. This creates a cozy routine and shows your child that reading is a valued activity.
   
• Visit the library: Libraries are treasure troves of books. Every being who has a love for reading is found there. Let your child explore the shelves, pick out their own books, and soak up the bookish atmosphere.
   
• Be a reading role model: Let your child see you reading for enjoyment, whether it's curled up with a novel or engrossed in a magazine. This shows them that reading is a lifelong activity, not just a school thing.
   
• Transform story time into a family affair: Put on funny voices, act out the characters, and even add sound effects. Reading shouldn't just be heard, it should be experienced.

           2. Follow Their Interests:

• Cater to their curiosity: Does your child love animals? Dinosaurs? Trucks? Find books that match their passions. Non-fiction books can be fascinating for curious minds, and graphic novels offer a vibrant way to delve into stories. 
   
• Let them choose: Don't force them to read classics they might not enjoy. Let them explore different genres and authors until they find something that they love to read which sparks their imagination.
   
• Make it interactive: Act out the characters, draw scenes from the book, or even create their own stories based on what your kids read. This keeps them engaged and helps them connect with the material on a deeper level.

           3. Create a Cozy Reading Nook:

• Dedicate a space for reading: Find a comfy corner, decorate it with fairy lights and cushions, and stock it with their favorite books. This creates a special place for them to curl up with a good reading session.
   
• Eliminate distractions: Turn off the TV and put away electronic devices when it's reading time. This helps them focus on the book and get lost in the story.
   
• Make it fun: Stock the nook with fun accessories like bookmarks, flashlights, and magnifying glasses. This adds an element of playfulness and makes reading even more enjoyable. 
  
  4. Celebrate Reading Success:
   

• Reward their efforts: Celebrate milestones like finishing a book or reading a certain number of pages. This could be a simple sticker chart, a trip to the bookstore, or even just a big hug and a proud "good job!"
   
• Talk about the book: Ask them questions about the story, the characters, and the themes. This helps them develop their comprehension skills and encourages them to think critically about what they've read.
   
• Share the joy: Encourage them to talk to their friends and classmates about the books they're reading. This can help spread the love of reading and create a community of young readers.
   

By following these simple tips, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of reading that will open doors to countless adventures and endless knowledge. So grab a book, snuggle up, and let the reading magic begin!

Ready for some bookish recommendations? Here is something for you!

For our tiniest tots (2-4 years old):

• Peek-a-Boo Planet: Lift the flaps and say hello to adorable aliens in "Hello! Hello!" by Deborah Underwood. This colorful book is bursting with surprises and silly rhymes, perfect for those first giggles.
• Counting Comets: Blast off with the adorable "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. This alphabet adventure is full of catchy rhymes and counting fun, making learning the ABCs a groovy trip.
• Bedtime Bonanza: Snuggle up for sweet dreams with "The Very Quiet Cricket" by Eric Carle. This classic tale reminds us that even the smallest voices can shine, making bedtime a calming and reassuring ritual.
•  "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown is a soothing bedtime classic, while "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is a colorful delight that teaches counting.

For our little adventurers (4-6 years old):

• Jungle Jitters: Swing through the rainforest with "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill. This interactive book lets your little explorers help Spot the cheeky puppy find his way through the leaves, making reading a hide-and-seek adventure.
• Underwater Odyssey: Dive into the ocean with "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister. This vibrant story about sharing reminds us that kindness and generosity make the most beautiful treasures.
• Bedtime Buddies: Snuggle up with a teddy bear friend in "Corduroy" by Don Freeman. This heartwarming tale about a bear waiting for a home tugs at the heartstrings and teaches valuable lessons about patience and friendship.
• "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill is a lift-the-flap favorite, while "Corduroy" by Don Freeman is a heartwarming tale about a lonely teddy bear.

For our junior heroes (6-8 years old):

• Girl Power Galaxy: Take flight with a brave princess in "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch. This empowering story shows that girls can be strong, resourceful, and save the day!
• Friendship Forever: Spin a web of love and loyalty with "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White. This timeless classic teaches us about the deep bonds of friendship, sacrifice, and facing life's challenges together.
• Mystery Mountain: Embark on a thrilling whodunit in "The Boxcar Children" by Gertrude Chandler Warner. This exciting adventure series will keep your junior detectives guessing till the very end.
• "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch is a hilarious story about a brave princess, while "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White is a timeless tale of friendship and sacrifice.

Conclusion

Reading is a beautiful thing – don’t let your child miss out on it. As parents we have to remember that every child is unique, so explore different genres and find books that spark their curiosity. Let reading be a journey of discovery, filled with laughter, tears, and endless possibilities!

Happy reading, Happy learning !