TOP TIPS
1 Read
Most children will learn to value the habits and routines of their parents - they are also keen eyed and can sense deception and unease from 100 paces . It is all too easy to get drawn into arguments with children : about homework , about dinner , about whether or not they can fit a whole bag of chews into their mouth . It ’ s even easier to get sucked into the trap of dictating expectations . Far more powerful , is the demonstration and articulation of the inherent benefits related to a specific , required behaviour .
Rather than telling your children about the joys of literature , show them . Read joyously , read foolishly . Read inside , read out . Read on your own , read in a crowd . Discuss authors , characters and the sudden , unexpected twists of plot . And if you can ’ t manage all of that , ( although you should most certainly consider it ) … bluff . Carry a book - be seen to read and be generous in sharing your point of view .
2Bend the rules
Families are bound by rules , both spoken and unspoken . Bending them , particularly for a good cause , can prove enormously thrilling .
Rigidly fixed bed times can be extended for a secret story under torchlight . Closet forts , filled with books , can be built and left for days – or even better , rebuilt in a semi-permanent state as an homage to snuggling and story time . Technology limits can be extended for e-readers .
And now to debunk a final myth : reading CAN be a social exercise . Multiple copies allow for a family reading club or , as a child I once taught described , a simultaneous read-a-thon . Starting a book with a child can be another great way to draw them in – a chapter a day for a week or so and you are likely to catch them finishing it when your back is turned . Continuing the
Annie the Reading Dog
READING BUDDIES
Introducing Annie the Reading Dog ! The perfect solution to harness your child ’ s love of reading , especially if they are a dog lover . Annie ’ s owner is Dr Katie Larson , a qualified American educator with over 15 years experience , teaching children and adults of all ages and reading abilities . Research has shown that there are many benefits to children reading with dogs as they provide comfort , support and patience whilst the child practices . As well as being good listener , the
story , making predictions and throwing around theories make the journey all the more enjoyable .
Choose wisely
3 Most adults spend less time reading than they would like to - the reality is that reading requires both patience and time . Taking into consideration the likelihood that your child is most probably able to find amusing distraction even more easily than you are , the selection of text is critical . Bookshops are emotive and exciting - selection and purchase should not be led by an adult .
Initially reluctant readers often carry a preconception about content that even a brightly coloured jacket can struggle to break down . If our aim is to ensure reading is engaging and enjoyable , dog ’ s presence decreases stress and releases relaxing hormones , which allows children to read calmly and with more confidence . Along with Annie , Dr Katie will listen to your child read aloud , whilst guiding them through comprehension questions and vocabulary . Children take their own books along with them and read with Annie on their lap . For further information on how a lesson with Katie and Annie works , visit www . anniethereadingdog . com
consider the full range of children ’ s literature available . Comic books and graphic novels will almost feel like cheating . The move on to books with maps and detailed illustration is a neat one – images can be blown up and displayed on bedroom walls , coloured and marked and plotted as the story unfolds . Non-fiction texts provide clear purpose and allow children to show off newfound skills and knowledge , proving beyond all reasonable doubt that adults don ’ t know everything !
Once you find your groove , move swiftly around the back catalogue of a trusted author , or through the growing number of book series ’.
However you proceed , do persist in good spirits - reading is far too much fun to be taken seriously .
38 www . playtimes . com . hk