Ways to encourage your son to read books

1 reply Last post
ayer0924
Location: Davao, Philippines
Position: Nurse
Posts:

Most of the boys normally do not read educational books compared to girls and mostly boys tend to have lower scores on Standardized Reading Tests compared to girls. Maybe your son do not find reading books much interesting compared to other activities. Boys most likely want to play video games, play outdoor games, or playing there own toys than readings books. Do not worry that is normal to their age.

When your boys do not read books it does not mean that you did not give the best of your ability in influencing your child to read. It just so hard on the part of the parents to motivate your child to read books because a lot of temptation roams around your child just like friends, toys, games and many more. That is part of your child's normal growth. When you limit them with those things and activities they tend to whine, complain, wheel, and plead you to bring them back. Then they will be forced to read books just to bring those things back but the problem will be there learning. They will find reading books so boring and they will not understand what they are reading because they are just forced to read the books that you gave them. Forcing your child to read books will make them more against it.

There are some tips that will help you make your child read books but of course it still depends on how you apply it to your boy.

1)Try to make reading a bit joyful, alive and most especially useful to your child. Don not worry about it because John Scieszka, which is the author of "The Stinky Cheese Man" says that you have to give your boy more choice and by that it will help your child boost there interest in reading books because most boys find reading so boring so animate it a bit.

2)Start the book that your boy wants or like. Kids build there focus on reading books that they want and love. If your kid loves sports then try giving them books that related to sports but of course do not try to expose them on violent sports.

3)Try to be a model to your child. Studies show that when parents have books and reading it at home then kids most likely imitate there parents and will be encouraged reading books too.

4)Give a book that your boy wants. Giving books that they like as a gift or present will boost there interest in reading books.

5)Make reading a bit sociable. Like encourage your child to express what he understand or feel about the books that he is reading. It is not just a way to make your child read books but also it will help you create bond with your child.

Remember that if a child find reading more pleasurable and interesting then it will inspire them to read more.

Bookmark/Search this post with:
  • Delicious
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Magnoliacom
  • Newsvine
  • Furl
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Yahoo
  • Technorati
  • Icerocket
Top

#1

missusbee5
Location: Alabama, USA
Positions: Parent, Classroom Teacher
Posts:

Encouraging Boys to Read: Starting out Young

 
How young is too young?
 
 You can never start establishing a daily reading time too early. Many of us have heard of reading to babies in the womb or have even done it ourselves. So, it is never too early. Reading books at bedtime is a good habit to form so that reading will be a part of every day life. Even an infant can become accustomed to such a routine. If reading is a part of a baby's daily routine, it will continue to be that way as they grow up.
 
What if they don't seem interested?
 
If and infant or toddler doesn't seem interested, its okay. The important thing is that you set the pattern and you don't give up. Persistence and patience will pay off and soon your baby will learn to enjoy this special reading time.
 
What if I can't get through an entire book?
 
It doesn't matter if you read every word in the book. Attempt reading the book to them, but don't force it. Sometime just looking at the book and discussing the pictures is more appropriate. Let them interact by turning pages at will and talking (jabbering) about the book. When and if they become agitated, it's time to put the book away and make another attempt later.
 
How much time should I spend reading to my baby?
 
For the most part, the younger the child, the shorter their attention span is. However, every child is different. But, as a rule of thumb, you can try one minute per day for every month they have been alive. So, at 12 months you could try reading to them for 12 minutes per day. But 12 minutes all at once might overwhelm some and not be enough for others. Try breaking it up if it seems too long. If you just need a place to start, you can use this rule; but don't feel like you have to enforce it. Also, it would probably only work up to about 3 years of age for most children. The exact amount of time is not as important as the consistency of reading every day. So if you don't have 36 minutes to read to your 3 year old, then read to them for 5 minutes.
 
When should I encourage independent book time?
 
You can give them a cloth or board book at around 5 or 6 months old. They will begin by picking it up and putting it in their mouths. Soon they will become interested in the pictures and begin to notice and become familiar with the letters on the book. They will also begin to develop certain motor skills, such as turning pages. Encouraging independent book time allows the baby to become familiar with books and develop motor skills and coordination.
 
In a Nut Shell
 
Consistency and familiarity at an early age are keys to developing an interest in reading that will likely carry on as they grow up.
 
Top
Syndicate content