How to Create a Reading Culture in Your Home

The idea that you are what you read was eloquently described by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” Experts agree that the earlier in life children are exposed to books and to different vocabulary, the better they learn new words and the more they benefit from everyday experiences.

Advantages of reading to children are myriad.

• It awakens their curiosity, imagination and critical thinking skills.
• It provides a bonding experience with your child and can be comforting.
• It instills a sense of enjoyment of reading in children.
• It promotes two-way communication.
• It opens children’s worlds, introducing them to new things and new places.
• It takes kids away from screens.
• Children who hear stories are more likely to fall in love with books.
• Children who are read to from the earliest moments express themselves better

   and therefore become better communicators.

• The earlier children learn a word, the better they master it, even in adulthood.

Parents can feel overwhelmed with family and work responsibilities. In the rush and bustle of everyday life, reading to their children can fall by the wayside. But anyone can get into the habit of reading to their children. If you’re unable to read to your kids, talk to them. Make up stories. Talk to them about your day, about their day, about the world. There are times when the right type of discussion can be even more valuable than reading.

For the Wong family, reading as a family is a great way to create a warm, happy association with reading for children.

Build a reading tradition

Building a strong reading tradition is a great way to incorporate reading into your family activities. Choose a comfortable reading space and a regular reading schedule and try to stick to it. Establishing a reading tradition makes kids look forward to that time as part of a normal activity. Start with short reading sessions and vary your reading material. If they stop paying attention, it means it’s time to stop. Don’t insist.

Lead by example: enjoy reading

Kids learn from example. Children whose parents read and seem to enjoy reading are more likely to become readers themselves. Talk about what you’re reading with your partner and kids. If you want your kids to become readers, show them you enjoy reading.

Encourage comments and thinking about the story

Be aware of what you’re reading and of what your kids understand. Encourage their comments on the stories or illustrations in the books. What do they understand? How do they feel? What do they think? For younger children, illustrations can be powerful. What do kids see when they look at them? Can they identify the animals, colors, food items?

Use the power of imagination

While it might be difficult at first, making up stories is a powerful way to teach your kids about creativity. It’s important to involve kids in this process as it develops a multitude of skills: creativity, critical thinking and imagination. If you have trouble starting, try using creative story cards or make some story cards of your own.

Buy quality books and visit the library

If you can afford it, buy them some books, magazines and comic books and keep them visible. Keep in mind that it’s the quality rather than quantity that matter. Books hidden away may be forgotten, so display books on a bookshelf. Choose the books to buy with your kids. Determine beforehand which books are suitable for them and let them choose from your list. Visit the library frequently. Keep in mind that not all books are equal. Choose quality.

Work around your schedule to find time

It’s not always easy to find the time to read with your kids. Don’t get into the trap of thinking there’s just one way to do things. Work around your schedule, talk to your kids or make up stories in the car or over dinner.