If people could just make reading fun for children at a young age, then the literacy problems in the world would decrease dramatically. The habits we learn as young children carry us throughout our entire lives. Young children aren’t capable of reading complex expressions throughout entire novels, and that aspect of reading entertains us as we mature as readers. Preschoolers can, however, develop an appreciation for reading if they enjoy it. The next time you think about making reading fun for preschoolers near you, consider trying these helpful topics.
Dress Up
Children love to watch people in costumes for any reason. Let’s pretend that you would like to read a book about dogs to the preschoolers. Dressing up as a dog could excite them and help them to appreciate the reading more. Children are very likely to respond positively to this kind of stimulation. They will associate reading with that great time when the teacher dressed up in a dog costume. Making reading fun for your preschoolers connects them with reading in a way that nothing else can.
Repetitive Readings
Phrases that contain rhymes and meters appeal to children. They love to try to guess patterns and pick up on them when someone reads. Alliteration allows children to acquire attention to details. Repeated sounds remove roadblocks from learning reading habits. Once the children hear an adult reader go through the book, they will be able to have much more fun reading the same book on their own. The way a book rolls off the tongue makes children laugh and take notice of the meanings behind each word. Encouraging children to have fun while they read will make it a more enjoyable experience.
Reward their Reading Progress
You can apply the general parenting parameter of rewarding positive behavior as it pertains to reading, too. Setting up a tangible goal and a tangible prize for achieving that goal serves as a great way to motivate a child to read. You could tell them that they are reading their way to a trip to the zoo or an early birthday gift. Set smaller goals that the children can easily accomplish when they just start reading. Try to read one small book with them each day for a week. If the child finishes 5 books in a week, then you could reward them with a prize. They will then see reading as a fun activity because they will always get something out of it.
Set an Example
Younger children love to repeat what they see adults doing. You should find a good book to enjoy. The children will pick up on your own passion for reading, and they will try their best to imitate that. Engross yourself in a book that entertains and challenges you, and the children will want to do the same. People learn together when they read together. You can make learning and reading staples in the lives of your favorite children. Children often act like adults when they think it will be fun, and you should let them know that reading a very adult-like thing to do.
Kelly has over 5 years experience publishing articles on childcare
education and parenting. She writes articles on behalf of GiraffePrechools,
who have 18 schools based in Dublin, Ireland.
