5 actions to raise children to be bookworms

“What should I do to make my child love reading? Because I don't like to read.” A question from a pregnant sister made me think. 'If parents who don't like to read But I want my little one to love reading. What should I do?'

What I got in response was telling my own life story. Even though Prat grew up with her grandmother and didn't have parents to read to her. But my aunt was the one who sparked the power of reading by giving me my first book as a birthday present. After starting to read, I felt loved and fascinated by books, so I began to find interesting topics to read on my own.

When the family sees the love of reading So they started coming to help support them by taking them to book fairs. The support from families who don't love reading has allowed them to create a habit of reading on their own until today.

“Try finding a story book to read to your child. Because storybooks are considered the closest source of learning to children. Just turn the palm of your hand and you can access learning through images and reminders. It also contains knowledge about various matters that will make children know kindness, kindness, and forgiveness.” 

This recommendation comes from talking with Jae—Sudjai Promkerd, manager of ThaiHealth's reading-culture promotion program— adds that parents should be good role models. Adults can read to children even before birth: a fetus can hear from around the sixth month of pregnancy, and the voices heard most often are those of the parents. Reading stories gently at this stage can nurture a tender disposition from childhood onward.

“Reading is food for the brain. It helps children make connections and analyze ideas, while experiencing art through storybooks whose images are beautiful and whose stories
and language weave in moral and ethical values.” 

Early literacy is what children understand about reading and writing before they can do either themselves. When young children develop strong early-literacy skills, they are ready to learn to ‘read books’ next.

From your own experience that parents did not inculcate reading from the beginning But literacy and serious interest in reading It is undeniable that 'Reading is the beginning of learning' If we can read and write, self-learning can continue. But who will inspire children to know about books? Know how to read and write The first person should be a parent or guardian.

In this article, Prapha would like to present 5 actions to become a bookworm. Because of children's literacy It starts with support from adults who are ready to let children start reading. But before inviting your child to read, there are various operations. That families can do together is as follows:

1 Talk with your child closely

You should make eye contact and interact with the child. When your baby or toddler makes a sound in response, provide a positive response. Talk in clear language Even if the child doesn't understand But communicating cheerfully will make the child absorb our emotions.

2 Play with the child.

There's no better toy than an adult to play with. Playing hide-and-seek, pretend play, building blocks, coloring, playing with cars, and playing outside. These various types of play will help develop children's early reading and writing skills. And family is the best childhood friend.

3 Singing with your child

Lullabys will help build family bonds. At the same time, it helps develop many important early literacy skills, singing and listening to music together. Including dancing to the rhythm will help build a good mind in children.

4 Read picture books to your child

If your little one still can't sit or stay still while we read to them, don't worry. Young children can listen as they move around. There is no need to read the entire book at once. But I can still read it in a short period of time, many times, and in many places. For example, while taking a shower, I can read a book that floats in water. Sit and wait for food in the restaurant before going to bed. And don't forget that there must always be time to read stories as a routine of happiness together.

5 Show your child the 'world' around them.

Invite by pointing to the colors, shapes, letters, and patterns that surround us. Explain things gently, and soon your little one will be able to point things out.

Children with good language skills have better memories. Because data can be compiled and stored in a good language in a more systematic way. The most important thing is When parents take time to read to their children It creates a bond of love in the family. Children will feel love and connection from their parents. Make him a confident person. and have a good basis for developing one's potential in the future

Summary

The important role of adults is Creating a positive initial experience with books for children This is the great power of early childhood literacy. And this is the first chapter of reading and writing that will develop in the future for young children.

Illustrations from the internet.
Interviewed by Mrs. Sudjai Promkerd, Manager of the Reading Culture Promotion Program. Thai Health Promotion Foundation
Some information from the amazing book Early Childhood Library. Creative strategies for child and family development

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