5 Sure-Fire Ways to Encourage Engagement
A majority of young readers enjoy listening to stories read aloud and participating by reading. On the reading journey, children ride through peaks and dips in their desire to explore reading independently. This could happen for a variety of reasons.
While exploring independent reading, How can I keep my reader engaged?
1. Make Reading Fun.
Funny stories are a magnet. Rhyming stories are an even greater treat! How often do we enjoy listening to a winded tale? You get stuck in there enjoying the unfolding as you listen. An entire industry is built around it. We call it comedy. Truth be told, we all love a good story, and a comical one is a great start.
Tip: Go for funny and rhyming books. Read stories by authors like Tom Fletcher, David Williams, Dav Pilkey, Julia Donaldson to name a few. Children who are having fun will read.
2. Visual Appeal is Good Heard that wise quote, "don't judge the book by its cover"? Not so wise with kids. With storytime, children rely on visual and auditory information. You'd notice them enjoy the story the more you animate it vocally. The same goes for illustrations. Consider overstimulation though, as each child is unique, and may require less information to enjoy reading. Know your child. Most importantly, woo them in with beautiful illustrations. They'll depend on that less with time.
Tip
Try graphic novels or books with less text and brilliant illustrations. These elements draw in the reader. Illustrations, short-form text and engaging storylines are the sauce.
3. Make it Interest-Based
Life itself and every daily interaction is built on the foundation of social connections. However, connections are built on mutual interest. At a rudimentary level, connection with books work the same. We all know how hard it is to enjoy the viewing when the family movie playing is not one you connect with. There is no better way to be 'your-child-focused' than to let them lead in every way.
Tip Make sure to chose books that resonate with their like, interests, aspirations and admiration. Killer move? Let them choose. Involve them in the shopping online, instore and anywhere really.
4. Read Together
For a child, there is joy and validation from spending time together. Ever heard them say, "The best time ever, was when we did xyz together". As parents, we may be tempted to focus on development and routine. Don't forget that reading is the window to an imaginative journey; and who better to share it with. Discuss the book together. you may hear them talk about the little imaginative trips they embarked on while you were reading a page. Depending on their age, discuss the illustrations, the storyline or simply, what their thoughts are about the story.
Tip
Encourage active participation by reading together. Take turns reading. Allow them to read a page and you read a page. this is an easy start, especially if your reader is a little hesitant
5. Make it Relatable
Mills and Boon were a popular read amongst young adults. It helped make sense of feelings and experiences you were yet discovering. The same goes for some dramas and soaps. They sometimes, when meaningful, shed perspective on various subjects from politics, to gender bias, self-identity, relationships and difficulties we face. It gives us a peek into other peoples fights and victories, whether true stories or fiction.
Tip
Find books that reflect your child's experiences. Children love stories about characters like themselves; characters they can relate with. Eg. Divorced parents, living on a farm, loving animals, loss of loved ones, meeting a new looked-after child joining the family, the fear of the dentist, the list goes on. Whatever they are experiencing, there is a book they will relate to.
Wowzers! You made it through all that reading. You are officially a Book Mama knighted super reader! These few tips pack some serious punch in seizing full engagement. It also makes your super reader experience a more natural flow in the "reading together" experience. Now, go make storytime fabulous!
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