Alvin M. Keeling 
Many parents are always on the lookout for reading activities that will not only help their children become better readers, but also enjoy doing. One activity that has many benefits for children and makes them passionate about reading is listening to stories read aloud to them. Reading aloud to your child can be one of your best parenting experiences, and you and your child will create many loving memories as they explore books together. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Make reading a daily experience
When a child is very young, it’s the sound of your voice, not the words they like. Reading with a child – even before birth – helps you and your child bond, discover new things, and make precious memories together. It’s also a wonderful routine to help your child get ready for bedtime. Like all habits, this one can take a while to establish, but hang in there until it becomes a daily or nightly routine.
Create a family reading night
You have a Family Game Night, why not a Family Book Night? There are many ways you can make reading together a lot of fun. Gather around. Turn off the lights. Light a comfortable lamp. Get down on the pillows and make yourself comfortable. When reading, be flexible in your approach. You read to your children or they take turns reading to you, or you read to them and they read with their own copies, or you read a page and they read a page.
Make reading something your child loves
When watching TV, turn on closed captions. It’s an easy, non-threatening way to match something they want, like TV, to something you want – read. They will get used to the subtitles very quickly and that is a big help.
Plan a family adventure at the library
Kids love adventures, so get them involved. Make plans together to prepare and celebrate the first trip to the library. Planning a book party when you get home? Make sure you prepare the kids before you go. The library is a unique place, and you will need to take the time to explain how a library works, just as you explain the dos and don’ts in other places, such as church and family visits. and friends.
Spend an evening of storytelling with the family
A fun alternative to reading aloud can be the stories you tell yourself! Your kids will enjoy the great tales you make up or the family stories you remember, but be sure to read books or tell a story every day!
Choose award-winning books to read together
Parents can easily find award winning material that can encourage a child’s love of reading. While the Newbery and Caldecott Medals are the most widely recognized awards for children’s literature, they are by no means the only awards for children’s books. Anyone interested in finding the best in children’s literature can find a winner in any genre, for any age.
Your children will probably want you to continue reading to them long after they are able to do so on their own. This is because reading aloud is not just reading. It is a warm and loving experience that you can continue for as long as your children want.
Elizabeth Hamilton, ME, MA, is a teacher with 31 years of professional experience. You can write to him at successful learner@yahoo.com with your questions or comments.
