Take a look around your home and see if it is a print-friendly environment. Are there magazines, newspapers, and books for your children to see? If so, do they actually see you reading? If children see reading is a part of your life and not a chore, they are more likely to pick up their own book and read. Raising a reader means having enough material on hand to encourage your children to pull a book off a shelf and open it up.
Stocking the Home Library
In addition to having a variety of books and magazines for you to read, children need their own personal library. Books don't have to cost a fortune. Garage sales and thrift stores are valuable resources for children's books and magazines at a discount. Most public libraries also have regular book sales or a room devoted to used books. Don't forget family and friends. Have them purchase books for birthday gifts or set up a book exchange with them. Another option is to make your own books. Write a story with your child, or let him write in, then bind it. Cardstock makes a great cover.
Locating Your Home Library
Regardless of how many books you have on hand, there should be a place in your home dedicated to the library. Whether it's a shelf in the living room or a crate in the child's room, books and magazines should be easy to find and easy to reach. A shelf at adult eye level is not as accessible as a bottom shelf.
Building Respect for Your Home Library
There's nothing like a child opening the pages of a book for the first time. But make sure to teach children to respect the books they have. Pride is in the ownership so try making your own bookplates. If you're not that creative, you can download and print pre-designed labels. Show your children how to preserve the books by putting them away after use.
Enjoying Your Home Library
Don't spend all your time setting up and organizing your home library. After all, the purpose is to get your children reading. Set up a certain time of the day to read together as a family. Have your child read to you and you read to your child. When you finish a book, talk about it together. Find out what they like and didn't like, what they remember the most, and whether or not they would read it again. Enjoy the books together.
Beyond the Home Library
Not all reading has to be limited to the home library. Let your children see that reading is a part of life. Point out printed materials around the house. Look at cereal boxes, recipes, grocery lists, and directions for games. Talk about why those words are important.
Remember, you are your children's first teacher. The way you approach reading can determine whether or not they become lifelong readers. Unpack the books, dust them off, and show your children reading is a valuable part of your family.
Resources:
Reading Rockets is a website filled with information for parents and educators about reading topics.
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