As much as I love to read articles online these days, I find this kind of informational reading to be a very different experience from reading a real book, newspaper, or magazine. Why? Well, a computer screen is hard to look at for long periods of time, and it's also hard to focus upon one topic for too long. There are a significant number of distractions. It's great that you can find so much information so quickly, but it's a different kind of reading. It's not easy to find time to read for pleasure when there are so many wonderful informational resources on the internet!
Have you ever gotten lost in a book? Books have the power to take you to other worlds, without the travel time and the expense. It requires a certain focus to read a book, and the right book has the power to change your life. If you have a moment to spare, you might want to read an interesting article New York Times published in 2007, called A Good Mystery: Why We Read.
Books have the power to change the lives of our children, as well. The greatest gift any parent can give to their child is time spent reading together. You don't have to officially be a teacher to raise a reader. All you really need is an hour (or at least a half an hour) every day, a library card, and a desire to spend quality time with your child.
Here are the first five of my Top 10 Ways to Raise an Avid Reader:
1. Even babies and toddlers will enjoy looking at books and hearing your voice. The earlier you share your enthusiasm for reading, the chances are greater that your child will grow to love reading as well.
2. Reading should be an activity that your children look forward to every day. If you make it fun, your children will beg you to read another book! You can find some great read aloud tips at Literacy Launchpad.
3. Show a love of reading yourself. Read with your child, but also make sure that your child sees you reading a variety of materials to yourself on a regular basis. Reading will come more naturally if it's not viewed as "work." You can find some great ways to keep your child busy while you read the newspaper at the Book Chook blog.
4. When your child does start reading independently, don't stop reading aloud with him or her! You can take turns reading chapter books out loud, but don't be so quick to put away those picture books! Find out one reason why here. More reasons to follow!
5. Visit your local library on a regular basis, to help your child look for books, and to look for some for yourself! You can find out more about the resources available at your local library at the The Almost Librarian's blog. She also has some wonderful picture book recommendations for the younger set!
For the next 5 ways to raise an avid reader, you can find Part 2 here.
What are your thoughts about reading online as opposed to reading books, newspapers, and magazines? How do you balance reading for informational purposes with reading for pleasure? All opinions are welcome here.
Enjoy reading this week!
