Reading doesn’t just open the doors to the imagination: it enables your child to learn new things, develop his language, enrich his vocabulary and improve many other language skills. Books are also an opportunity to share special moments with your child and enjoy each other’s company.
Spending 10 to 15 minutes a day around a book is enough to arouse toddlers’ interest. Here are a few tips to help your child enjoy reading.
Start as early as possible
Reading to your newborn will help give him or her the best start in life. Babies learn to talk by listening to adults repeat and read them different words. When you tell your child a story, describe the characters and objects in the book, or imitate the calls of animals. The sound of your voice gives meaning to the letters and images in front of your child’s eyes. Use a lower or higher pitched voice, and change your intonation or accent to suit the characters. You’ll capture your child’s attention and bring the story to life!
Remember that children learn to love books long before they can read. So children who are used to books from an early age appreciate them all the more as they grow up.
Lead by example
It’s important that children see reading as a fun and enjoyable activity, not as a daunting task. The best way to achieve this is to set a good example. If your child sees that you read often, it will encourage him to follow in your footsteps. As a bonus, he’ll also spend less time in front of the screen.
If you haven’t had a chance to read for a while, ask your bookseller or librarian for advice on the best books for you and your child. Ask your family and friends what their children’s favorite books are, and how they go about reading with them. Don’t hesitate to take your child with you to choose books, and make it a special occasion.
Take turns reading
As your child gets older, get into the habit of taking turns reading aloud. If your child is a precocious reader, start by asking him to point out the letters and words he recognizes. Then ask him to read every other sentence, then, as he progresses, a whole page and finally a whole chapter. Ask questions about the story you’re reading: “What do you think will happen next?”, “Why did the elephant do that?
These moments spent reading aloud together will help your child express himself more fluently and consolidate what he’s already learned.
Listen to your child
Take into account your child’s growing interests. If a subject, such as dinosaurs, particularly appeals to him, look for age-appropriate books that might interest him. This will reinforce the idea that books are a way of finding out more about the topics that appeal to them. What’s more, your child will be more eager to read if he finds his favorite dinosaur!
Don’t worry if your child hasn’t yet got to grips with Proust or Dostoyevsky: the most important thing is that he or she reads, even if it’s just comic books for the time being. They’re just like any other reading material! You can encourage him to discover other types of work, but don’t insist if your child isn’t receptive.
Establish a ritual
To make reading a pleasure for your child, start by integrating books into daily rituals. Tell him a story in the evening, before he goes to bed, or get into the habit of reading on public transport. When you’re together, avoid looking at your phone or the TV: nothing should distract your attention from each other!
One of the keys to your child’s love of reading is to have books around. If possible, try to build up a library at home. There’s no need to go overboard: a few books are more than enough.
Check with your local library to see if it organizes story times for children. These are an excellent opportunity to get them enjoying books, while encouraging them to socialize with their peers. You could also consider setting up a mini-reading club with your friends and their children.
The main stages of reading
While every child is different, there are several main stages in the acquisition of reading skills:
From birth to 18 months
The child understands simple sentences.
The child observes pictures and tries to turn pages.
The child imitates language.
Around the age of 1, the child can pronounce one or more words.
From 18 months to 3 years
By age 2, the child has 250 to 350 words in his vocabulary, and 800 to 1,000 words by age 3.
Likes to be read stories from familiar books.
Can repeat phrases from favorite books.
Child imitates adult vocalizations.
Requests to be read to.
Ages 3 to 5
Child recognizes familiar letters and tries to write them.
Can hold a book correctly and turn pages.
Child can spot rhyming words.
The child formulates sentences with ease.
Child acquires knowledge from books read aloud.
