When you request to join Raising Biliterate Children one of the questions is “What’s your biggest challenge with your child’s literacy?” Many parents say it is to find a balance between languages, others say they don’t know how to start teaching their child to read in the minority language. And many others say that they don’t know what to do to motivate their child to read more and to like reading.
So I’ve been meaning to create something to help you with that. I’m a teacher and one of the proudest moments of my days is to see children immersed in a book, recommending it to their friends and begging me to go to the library and choose a new one.
But that’s not true for every child. Some children just don’t love reading and it’s absolutely fine. They’d rather play a game, draw a picture, craft, be outdoors, watch a movie, chat with their friends, practice sports.
So I’ve been meaning to create something to help you with that. I’m a teacher and one of the proudest moments of my days is to see children immersed in a book, recommending it to their friends and begging me to go to the library and choose a new one.
But that’s not true for every child. Some children just don’t love reading and it’s absolutely fine. They’d rather play a game, draw a picture, craft, be outdoors, watch a movie, chat with their friends, practice sports.
But why don’t they enjoy a good book?
Maybe they haven’t found the right ones for them.
Maybe they’re struggling to read fluently.
Maybe it hasn’t been a habit.
Maybe they’re too distracted or too busy.
Or maybe they just don’t love it.
Did you love reading when you were their age? Do you now?
I love reading. I can’t go two days between books. I’ve been like that since I can remember. And it’s still hard for me to extricate myself from all of the busyness, tiredness, distractions. I need to actively carve time out of my days and add purpose to my reading.
Even if your children hate reading and you respect that, you’ll want to encourage them to read more.
Why?
It increases their vocabulary, knowledge and understanding.
It increases empathy, imagination and confidence.
It helps them navigate the world we live in.
It can help them cope with difficult moments and emotions.
It’s a calm and safe space.
How?
A quick Google search will show you many different versions of “18 genius ways to make your kids love reading” as well as “8 ways parents discourage their kids from reading”. You’ll read them, nod all the way, finish your coffee and carry on with your day. Am I right?
No matter which tips you follow, remember this:
It’s about joy and wonder.
It’s a daily choice.
It’s about making space and time for it.
It’s about connecting.
It’s immersing ourselves in the world of stories. Spoken, written or otherwise recorded.
Oh, but I promised to create something to help you with that!
Here it is: an email challenge that’s doable, efficient and free!
