Before TV and computer games had even come into the picture, many parents were struggling to get their children to read regularly. With these games now firmly in the picture, it is even more difficult for parents to motivate their kids to read, let alone to be excited about it. This is worrying because the social and educational benefits are well documented and it would take a brave or foolish academic to assert that the type of TV and computer games that are most popular today contribute to a child's development in any similar way. It is clear that as a parent, giving up the fight is unacceptable, and more effective tactics simply must be employed. Why not start with a sturdy, interesting bookcase that children will be drawn to?
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Top Tips on Stocking Kids' Bookcases (And How to Encourage Kids to Read From Them)
By: Rony Pollock
Your kids have many entertainment options available to them – cable television, Internet sites, portable games and outdoor activities. However, the most important recreational activity is still reading books simply because reading builds self-confidence and learning skills that will prove valuable in later life.
Along this thought, you have to ensure that your kids’ bookcases are stocked with the right books. You can follow these top tips.
Buy Into Their Interests
You should buy books for your kids’ bookcases that cater to their specific interests, no matter how silly it might seem to their older siblings. You have to remember that each child is unique and it is up to you to nurture their sense of uniqueness in the most positive way possible.
However, you also have to buy books that will encourage them to go beyond their world. Your purpose in encouraging them to read is to expose them to the outside world without needlessly exposing them to harm. Let your kids explore their imagination, soar to the heavens and dive to the deepest depths in the comfort of their own bedroom, with books as their magic carpet ride!
Progress as They Progress
Your choice of books to stock in your kids’ bookcases should change as they grow older. If possible, once your kids evince boredom in a certain book or read it with their eyes closed, replace it immediately. With favorite books, you might need to place them there indefinitely but replace other books as necessary.
Pictures Perfect
You should opt for books that contain pictures and words in the same page. You can readily teach children word-picture associations as well as nurture their imaginations through make-up stories based on the pictures.
As your children grow older, you often have to purchase books with lesser pictures albeit with richer vocabulary. Usually, books will contain age-appropriate labels to guide parents so you can start from there.
Reading Time
Once you have stocked up your kids’ bookcases, the hard part is encouraging your children to read books in lieu of television and video games. You can practice these tips:
- Be a wide reader yourself. Your kids will follow your example when they see you enjoying good books.
- Read to your children regularly. It might not be on a nightly basis but you have to make sure that you schedule regular reading time, which the whole family should engage in.
- Share experiences in readings, even with the littlest of kids. You have to respect their views and engage in discussions to further encourage them to read more.
If you arrange furniture according to your aesthetic needs, you have to adjust when it comes to kids’ bookcases. You should position their bookcases where they can readily reach for a book, settle down comfortably and read without the distractions of television and video games. You will not be spending much money on acquiring kids’ bookcases with their own seats and recliners anyway!
Ultimately, your efforts to encourage your children to love books and to love reading will benefit them in the future. Imagine the places they can go to, the people they can meet, the experiences they can have, the opinions they can form, and the knowledge they can acquire just by reading!
About the Author:
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Published At: www.Isnare.com
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These pointers should help you to get your child reading books on a more regular basis, and remember that perseverance is the only path to success in this regard. Some children will love reading, and you might have to drag them away from books to ensure that they have some balance in their growth. Whichever way your child might be, it is up to you to ensure that balance prevails.
