Reading is an essential skill which needs to be developed during a child's Early years. It doesn't happen on its own. It is important to create a suitable atmosphere to create and nurture the habit. Here are some ways :
1. Be a reading role model - Children naturally start reading when they see the elders do.
2. Expose them to stories and books in all possible ways.
3. Start a reading routing as early as possible. If you haven't started yet, it's not too late to start either.
4. Keep the books accessible and let the child choose their book.
5. Narrate stories, Read Aloud, Read Along, Read Alone - The first 3 process can happen between age 2 to 7 years. And around age 7 to 9 the child can start reading independently
6. Set a reading routine, preferably during bedtime as there will be less distractions from their playtime and gadgets
7. Visit a bookstore or a library whenever possible - This will expose the kids to more genres, authors or series.
How to choose books?
Rather than age appropriate, books need to be chosen based on their reading level and interests. From there children will gradually progress. Funny books are a huge draw for young readers, though.
How often and for how long should my child read?
A minimum of 20 mins would be ideal. For younger children, the attention span can be less. So we can prefer to Narrate Stories or Read Aloud for 10 mins and after that can allow the child to talk about the story or the book.
“Reading a minimum of 20 minutes a day allows children's vocabulary to grow and expand, exposing them to 1.8 million vocabulary words a year.” -Elizabeth Barnes
Decline by 9 - A study conducted by Scholastic says, beyond 8 or 9, attitude towards reading changes. There is a steep drop in kids who regularly read. This can be due to their academic works, distraction towards gadgets, extra classes etc. Parents play a crucial role in steering a child's reading journey. Create a reading routine that suits their busy schedule.