Books have always been great friends to me. My mom, an avid reader, created an environment where early literacy just sort of happened in my family. I am beyond thankful for the fact that I don’t remember a time without reading in my life. I naturally passed this love of reading on to my children, and I am blessed to see that my grandchildren are as enthralled with books as I am.
As an English teacher for the past quarter century, I am painfully aware that not every child has that legacy. The crucial period of a child’s first three years unfortunately for some was not spent discovering the wonder of the world of reading. I often teach students who tell me they are “nonreaders” which is a term I simply refuse to add to my lexicon. When those students, and oftentimes their parents too, tell me they just don’t like to read, I always have the same response. They haven’t been introduced to the right book. Yet!
There are perfect books out there for all of us; we just have to find them. I believe, as caretakers of children (whether in the role of parent or teacher or librarian) we have a huge responsibility to make reading appear to be the joy it is. So often we are guilty of presenting reading as a chore. Who likes chores? Books can stand on their own. Let’s just share them for what they are: beautifully bound creatures full of words and sometimes even with the bonus of companion pictures.
How do we do this?
1. Model reading to children. If they see reading as something the adults in their lives enjoy, they will naturally be drawn in.
2. Share books. Don’t put limits on them. If your three year old asks you to read a chapter book, give him a chance. He will let you know if he’s not ready for it. Obviously we should make an attempt to set children up for success. We do this by providing a print-rich environment with age-appropriate books. The public library is a great resource for this. Go weekly if possible. This will allow you to rotate your child’s book stash. But beware! They are going to discover favorites which they will ask you to check out again and again. Indulge them. Children thrive with repetition.
3. Relax. I know we all want our kiddos to achieve. Sometimes we think the earlier the better, but there is usually no need to worry. Or hurry. Our children let us know what they are ready for. Back off when they don’t seem ready for a concept. Gently push forward when they are. Don’t stress about investing a lot of money. There are so many blogs out there with ideas about how to introduce the alphabet through fun. After they know their ABCs, introduce the sounds they make (phonemic awareness). Transition to phonics (putting those sounds together). Once they can handle a few CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words, you have a reader on your hands. Trust me, in most cases, they learn quite organically.
4. Never stop. Reading is not something you should ever stop. It’s fun. And there are an endless supply of good stories. It is like a really good buffet. Only it’s free. And nothing on the buffet ever runs out.
