May 1, 2017
Reading with your child should be fun and relaxing, but sometimes it can feel more like a chore than a leisure activity. But whether it’s a nursery rhyme, a riddle or short story, reading to your children early on can help them develop a lifelong love for it and can improve their learning skills overall.
In honor of Mother Goose Day, here are just some of the fun ways you could get your child excited to read!
Start Young
There is no age limit. Reading to your child from the time they’re born is the best way for them to grow a love for storytelling. Toddlers and preschoolers whose parents read to them tend to have a wider vocabulary and perform better in school.
Let Them Choose
Allowing your child to pick out the story will make it less of a chore and more of a treat. Does your kid want to read the same book every night? Let them. Read part of it and have them read the other if they can. If there’s a film, watch it after you’re done reading. If your kid is more visual and doesn’t seem to be interested in reading, try comic books.
Visit the Library Often
The library is there to encourage reading, and it’s often hosting activities for kids of all ages. Prepare them for a visit ahead of time to build excitement, Make sure to visit weekly and don’t forget to check out a new book or two!
Make it a Daily Routine
Don’t just make reading a bedtime routine, switch it up. Put a book in your diaper bag or keep one in the car. The more you read together, the better. Don’t forget to lead by example. If your child sees that you enjoy reading, they’re more likely to follow suit.
At Nickerson we believe that reading should be encouraged at home and in the classroom. That is why we work with schools and libraries throughout New York and New Jersey to ensure that students are provided with innovative furniture that promotes a stimulating learning environment.