| HELPING YOUR CHILD TO BECOME A BETTER | | | | desirable and worthwhile by communicating |
| READER By Charles Siaw Introduction According to | | | | enthusiasm and providing some guidance to |
| the book, "Starting Out Right" by the National | | | | well-written books. Making books readily available It is |
| Research Council of UK, reading difficulties should be | | | | a well-known fact that people tend to do what is |
| identified and addressed as early as possible. "Children | | | | convenient to them. The same is true of reading. |
| who do well in reading from the beginning rarely | | | | People are more likely to read if it is convenient for |
| stumble later on. Those who have difficulty in the | | | | them to do so. Thus, a reading corner is |
| primary grades tend to remain behind their | | | | recommended in the home. Surrounding the child with |
| classmates as the years go by - even though they | | | | a wide variety of interesting books heightens the |
| receive remediation".(Wijesiri, 2001). Thus, it is | | | | probability that he will pick them up and read". The |
| important that parents make sure that their child | | | | child should have access to materials that stimulate |
| picks up his reading skills from young. The early years | | | | language exploration. He should be able to select |
| are of paramount importance to develop interest in | | | | books from various reading levels which address a |
| reading and to enhance the ability to read. Since the | | | | wide variety of interests. Parents should be sensitive |
| early years lay the foundation for creating a love for | | | | to the reading interests of the child and purchase |
| reading, parents have to nurture this habit by being | | | | books and reading materials that interest the child. |
| creative. Parents can foster the reading habit among | | | | Parents should ensure that there is a range of |
| their children in various ways such as reading story | | | | reading material for the child at home, both fiction |
| books aloud, setting up a mini reading corner with | | | | and non-fiction. Scheduling time for reading An |
| plenty of reading materials, bringing them to the | | | | independent or recreational reading program can be |
| library or bookshops and giving books as gifts or | | | | introduced by scheduling time for reading for each |
| prizes. Reading aloud For very young children, parents | | | | day at every level. Time is an important factor in |
| can start with picture books and move on to story | | | | reading literature as children need time to read. There |
| books and novels as the children get older. | | | | must be regular and lengthy opportunities to read for |
| Sometimes, the parents can read aloud to provide | | | | enjoyment. Parents' enthusiasm Parents' enthusiasm |
| the model of pronunciation to motivate and | | | | in reading is important. The influence of parents who |
| encourage the child to take part in reading. Parents | | | | are lovers of good books is very great. The parents |
| can read aloud to their child as early as from birth. | | | | must set an example if they want their child to read |
| Even though the child cannot understand the story or | | | | more; they must enjoy reading and be acquainted |
| poem, he will enjoy hearing the parents' voice. From | | | | with books." To motivate the child to read, parents |
| hearing their parents read aloud, the child can learn a | | | | need to be in constant contact with him to monitor |
| great deal about language. When reading, parents | | | | his progress and to encourage him to read widely. |
| should be enthusiastic and allow time for the child to | | | | The parents need to show interest in the books read |
| look at the pictures or hunt for objects in the | | | | by the child and guide him to choose suitable titles. By |
| pictures. Parents should discuss the meanings of the | | | | demonstrating commitment in their own reading, the |
| words and the stories with the child as well as help | | | | parents can foster positive attitude to reading and |
| him to identify the letters and the words. Story-telling | | | | teach the child to find pleasure in reading. " Making |
| Story hours can be made enjoyable by stimulating | | | | use of technological advancements In this age of |
| the imagination and spirit of adventure of the children. | | | | technology, parents can make use of technological |
| The child needs to explore books; to be read to and | | | | advancements to enhance their teaching of reading. |
| to read the same books over and over again. | | | | Tapes can be combined with books to teach reading, |
| Reading is a shared interactive activity. In the midst | | | | especially for younger children. Nowadays various |
| of reading, parents should answer questions the child | | | | softwares are available to make reading fun, |
| has immediately. At the same time, parents should | | | | interesting and entertaining. In addition, parents can |
| ask the child some questions related to the book | | | | make use of movies and television programs to |
| after reading. One way to get the child to be | | | | motivate their child to read. This can be done by |
| interested is to have the parents telling an engrossing | | | | encouraging the child to read about his favorite |
| tale to the child. Just as the story reaches its climax, | | | | characters and introducing books related to the |
| they can stop so that in order to satiate his curiosity. | | | | movie or television program. Conclusion It is really left |
| The child is encouraged to read the book. Parents | | | | to the ingenuity of the parents to think of how best |
| can recommend books to the child to motivate him | | | | to instill the habit of reading among students. |
| to read. The parents attempt to make reading seem | | | | |