As kids, they may not fully grasp the importance of learning to read and write. Encouraging your kids to read and write will help them make sense of the people and events happening around them.
Mastering reading and writing skills will help promote their cognitive and social-emotional development. More importantly, reading and writing are among the basic skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
But while teaching your child to read and write is essential, it can be challenging. Reading and writing may not rank among most kids’ favourite activities. Some may be reluctant to touch their books or hold their pens as these activities feel like school chores. Thankfully, there are a few ways to help you encourage your child to read and write.
If you need more help incorporating early child reading and writing into your routine, try these tips to motivate and help them build a love for these activities.
Make The Learning Process Fun
Most kids only do what they think is fun, such as playing computer games or watching videos or shows on their mobile devices. To help them build the same positive mindset towards reading and writing, try to make the learning process fun.
For instance, instead of forcing them to hold a pencil and write on their worksheets, why not let them help you bake letter cookies? As they create letters using alphabet cookie cutters, they become familiar with the shape and pronunciation of different letters. You can also let them spell their friend’s name using letter cookies and have them give it to their friends on their birthday.
When they’re having fun while learning, they’ll be inspired to keep reading and writing until these become one of their favourite pastimes.
Use Different Learning Materials
Generally, most parents use pencils, pens, worksheets, and school books to practice their children’s reading and writing skills. However, kids could get bored using these materials repetitively, creating a negative attitude towards them.
For a fun and new way of learning, you can use different materials when encouraging them to read and write. For example, you can buy sidewalk chalk in different colours so they can practice their writing skills outdoors. If you don’t have enough sidewalk space, you may get them a mini blackboard or whiteboard, which they can carry around everywhere and write whenever they want.
For reading, get them interactive children’s books or activity books to keep them engaged. Or, you can buy them books that feature their favourite characters. Then, create a designated learning space at home where your child can keep all their learning materials and lounge whenever they’re in the mood to read and write.
Identify Your Child’s Interests
Children will be more motivated to read or write about something they’re interested in.
For example, is your child deeply fascinated with animals, such as wildlife or marine life? In that case, you can get them books related to animal facts or stories with animal characters.
Does your child like to watch ballerina movies? Get them books related to ballet and ballerinas. Kids will more readily pick up books about topics they find fascinating.
Ask Questions About What They Read
Ask your child about the books they’re currently reading. Do they have a favourite and least favourite character, and why? Does the book they’re reading remind them of their personal experience or anyone they know?
Showing interest in their books will encourage them to keep reading. You can also ask them to write down the names of the characters in the book they’re reading to practice their writing skills.
Let Them Read And Write Everywhere
Encouraging your child to read and write shouldn’t be limited to school or home. Allow them to do this at every opportunity. For example, if you’re dining at a restaurant, let your child read the menu out loud. If you’re on a road trip, let your child read the road signs.
If your child’s birthday is approaching, encourage them to write their birthday invitations and send these to their friends. Are you planning to go grocery shopping this weekend? You may dictate the items for your child to write in the grocery list and even allow them to jot down the things they want you to buy.
When you let them read and write whenever and wherever possible, your child will realize how reading and writing are essential skills in real-life situations.
Allow Your Child To Choose
Are you planning to shop for more reading and writing materials for your child? Take them with you and let them choose their materials.
Perhaps your child is no longer a fan of children’s books and would like to explore comics, sci-fi, or fantasy stories. Or maybe they’re tired of writing in their old notebook and would like to use some scented papers. Remember that what matters is that they can practice their reading and writing skills, regardless of the materials they use.
Wrapping Up
Children will learn at their own pace. As a parent, the best thing you can do to help develop and nurture their reading and writing skills is to be supportive and keep praising them for their efforts.
Remember, encouraging them to read and write isn’t about turning them into perfect readers and writers. Rather, it’s about helping them realize how essential and valuable these skills are in real life. Reading and writing will also keep your kids busy without screen time. So, if you’re struggling with making your child read and write, try these tips, stay consistent, and watch as your child slowly grows to love these activities.
