So, your child doesn’t want to read…
As adults, we all know the benefits of being able to read. Not only does it ensure your child's success in school, but in life as well. But sometimes there are so many excuses and it is hard to push reading on a child who is less than enthusiastic. So, what is a paren't to do? Here are some tips for engaging your child in reading without them even realizing it!
Play a board game: Yes, it is low tech, but it also involves lots of reading – instructions, for instance, and the cards that indicate the next move or consequence of a move. If the whole family is involved it becomes a fun activity, and everyone benefits from the time spent together. There are old family favourites, such as Monopoly, Clue, Connect Four, Boggle and Battleship, that require reading, thinking and strategy building to be successful. There are also games that are more complex and can be played over several installments, such as Risk and Diplomacy.
Cook together: Not only does this involve reading and following directions, but the results can be enjoyed by the entire family. The library has dozens and dozens of cooking books directly aimed at children with recipes that are easy to create. Plus check out some healthy eating recommendations from Your Health Matters, brought to you by Toronto Public Health.
Starting from Scratch by Sarah Elton
Go on a scavenger hunt: You can create a scavenger hunt for your neighbourhood, within your backyard or in your house itself. For younger children, you can have pictures of what they need to find. Label the item with both the word and picture, then the hunt also becomes a matching game. For older children, construct a scavenger hunt with clues so that they first have to solve the clue and then find the item.
Make something: When you are reading instructions you are still reading. Find some maker books that intrigue your child, whether their hobbies are building models, knitting, paper crafts or something else. Many branches have Lego programs for children of all ages, and we hope to see you before long!
The LEGO Adventure Book: Robots, Planes, Cities & More by Megan Rothrock
Origami Papertainment: Samurai, Owls, Ninja Stars, and More by Christopher Harbo
Reading can'take many forms, and all will help your child gain the skills necessary to be successful in school and in life. Be sneaky, raise a reader without them knowing it!
Updated on April 16, 2020.
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