Don’t underestimate the power of news from the North Pole to encourage children to read!
Weirdly I remember being in reception and the very painful process of learning to read. I specifically remember being asked to read to the teacher from the simplest of Peter and Jane books ever and it was SO DULL. To read even part of a word was an effort and I just kept saying ‘I can’t do it, I can’t do it’. Though I knew full well that I could do better than I was, it was just too much effort!
Once I’d learnt to read, I was off and then I couldn’t stop reading. The back of cereal boxes was a favourite (I know I know). We used to have to take it in turns to have access to the box while we ate breakfast. Mum used to despair: we’d go to the library and I’d sit in the car reading while she hit the supermarket. By the time she’d come out, I’d read enough that we’d have to go back to the library again and get more books out. I think we needed different books!
I was just having a browse and came across this article, which has some really helpful ideas Children Who Can Read but Don’t
The overwhelming message is to give children access to all sorts of reading materials: books, magazines, games, (cereal packets)…anything you can think of. Children will push through the pain barrier much more quickly if you can spend time reading with them, encouraging them and letting them choose what they want to read about. Once they’re on the other side, they can absorb, enjoy and learn. About absolutely anything they choose.
We have a couple of tactics in our house. The kids go to bed 45 minutes earlier than they would otherwise but are told they can read. So, that being the lesser evil than going straight to sleep, that’s what they do.
Another trick that works particularly well with one of the boys is that while we’re all eating together, I tell them about a (kids) book I love or something I know a friend of theirs is enjoying. I tell them the general story line and I also talk about the characters and what I thought of them. This usually sparks enough interest for them to want to read it themselves.
Oh and short things like comic books are brilliant.
I have to say Elfie’s Christmas Letters have been superb for this in our house – the kids just hang off every word, analysing the events and characters, desperate to know more. Lots of the material used by Elfie has come from them and all their questions!
Well, what could be better to inspire kids to read than the promise of a glimpse into the magical world of the North Pole?
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