Posted in Homeschooling
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Sometimes reading can be the last thing on the minds of our children. There are so many other activities to keep them busy, that they don't often think of reading a book. So, I thought I would take this time to offer a suggestion for ways to encourage your young readers. Something we did (when the kids were very young) to encourage reading was to "build" a bookworm. I cut circles out of several different colors of construction paper for them (card stock is more durable though). I gave them some ideas for using one circle for making the head of the bookworm (i.e. pipe cleaner antennae...glue on wiggly eyes....fluffy ball noses, etc.), then we put their bookworm heads on the wall. Each time they read a book they wrote the name of the book on a construction paper circle and put it on the wall, thus building the body of the bookworm. That in itself was enough to encourage them to read because they each wanted to be the one to have the longest bookworm.
You could use this same approach, or modify it for older kids by using a chart or book list in their school notebook. You could also set a goal for the length of the bookworm, or a certain number of books to be read. Upon reaching that goal they could get a reward such as:
* coupons for a video rental from the library or video store
* a sweet treat they enjoy such as cinnamon rolls, bag of Skittles, etc.
* coupon for a certain amount of TV viewing
* money - this works really well if they are saving money for something they want
* let them accrue points that build up to an outing they enjoy such as a movie, theme park, hike or bike ride, skating, etc.
Knowing what your kids like best allows you to use those things to encourage them to read. Eventually they will grow to love reading, but may need a nudge to read something for pleasure if they get out of the habit. The greatest encouragement I've found for keeping them reading once they get hooked is to always have great books on hand. Going to the library and letting them choose 4 or 5 picture books, or a couple of beginning readers, or a chapter book for the week is a great way to keep them reading. If you know they have an interest in a certain topic, such as Titanic - which happens to be on the top of my son's list, then search the library card catalog to help them find appropriate books on that topic. By allowing them to choose books, and of course getting your approval before taking them home, will help keep them interested in reading. In the process they will learn more than you can imagine! So, encourage your kids to read a book! Blessings, Missy |
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