Reading

We all realised the importance of word knowledge and the power of reading. So how do we get our kids to enjoy reading?
As a starter, I have always read to my babies right from the time I conceived. When they were born, I read to them without fail every night at bedtime. By the time, my daughter was old enough to hold a book herself at the age of about 1 year, I read picture books with her and would allow her to tell the story as she saw it in her own words. By the time she was four, she was an avid reader and is now a very accomplished speed reader (BTW, she is now 14 years old). My boy who is 12 years now, went through the same regime, and he is also an avid  reader like his sister.

The point is, we have to set example by reading ourselves (newspaper, magazines, books). We need to set aside a daily routine as reading time and make it fun as well. The best time for me and my children were and still is just before bedtime, after a nice warm bath.

We visited the libraries frequently (thanks to our wonderful councils in Australia for providing this wonderful facility) during their toddlers years and participated in the story telling and craftwork activities provided by the libraries, and have never stopped enjoying our time in the libraries; although we just pop in to borrow books now as we have a much busier schedule now with high school and other activities.

Reading is important as I believe it is the first part of the three R's regime which kids need to learn in order to proceed with the rest of schooling efficiently. So parents - don't wait any longer, start on a healthy reading habit right now with your children.....it is never too late.