Get Your Kids to Read

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1313 -- More Projects »
Family activities expert Dr. Bra Vada Garrett-Akinsanya provides tips for getting kids interested in reading.
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Figure A

  • Books are not the only thing kids can read. Encourage them to read cereal boxes (figure A), comic books or even the sports page in the local newspaper.

  • When doing a craft project or playing a game with your child, encourage them to read the instructions.

  • When reading a book about a particular food or food group, cook that food with your child and enjoy it while sitting down to read the book.
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • Purchase books that are personalized for your child, or check out books from the library that include your child's name in the title (figure B).

  • Set aside 15 minutes before bedtime to read with your child. Be consistent and do this every night if you can. Make out a schedule for it if that will help get you started (figure C). Children will begin to look forward to it, especially if you start at a very early age.

  • Get your child a magazine subscription focused on a subject that interests them.

  • Purchase or check out books for your child that are related to a television program they watch regularly, or other interests they have.

  • Let your child pick out a book at the bookstore.

  • A bookstore gift certificate makes a great birthday gift for a child.

  • Make bookmarks with your child using cardstock, ribbon, markers and stickers.
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    Figure D
  • Rent or purchase books on tape (figure D) and encourage your children to follow along in the book.

  • Ask relatives to send letters to your child so that they can practice reading them.
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    Figure E
  • Set up a reading nook in your house that includes blankets, lots of pillows and a half-chair or beanbag chair (figure E). It's also a good idea to place a bookshelf in the space.
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1313
    •Get Your Kids to Read
    •Preparing Exotic Meats
    •Hostess Gifts
    •Tip of the Day