Read, read, and read some more.

    

    Read, read, and read some more.  Reading is one of the best ways to increase your child's vocabulary.  I have had people tell me before that their child does not like to read or even have a story read to them.  So I have a few ideas that might be helpful.

1.  For really young children, have several hard back books available while you read.  Likely, your child will want to take the book you are reading and play with it.  Best thing to do is let them.  That is why you have several books there.  Pick up another and start to read it.  When your child tires of the first and takes the one you are reading from, pick up the next one.  This helps your child feel comfortable with books and finds story time enjoyable.

2.  Allow your young child to take the lead in stories.  Let them turn the pages, and while that interrupts the story, just talk about the pictures of the page that you are presently on.  This will give your child interest in looking at books and a sense of self control.

3.  If your child does not want to sit on your lap, read the story while they are playing in the room with you.  Just because they are not looking at the book, doesn't mean they are not listening to the story.

4.  Let your child choose the story.  They will find more interest in a story they have chosen and probably will give you more attention.

5.  When possible, bring the story to life.  The story Crunch Munchy Cookies by V.M. Racanelli is a good one for this.  I had a child that would not listen to stories.  After trying everything I knew to engage this child, I decided to act it out with him.  We got together and made a batch of cookies.  He did most of the work.  He measured the flour, poured the ingredients, and even broke the eggs.  All with help, of course.  And yes, one of the eggs oozed down the cupboard door which he found quite entertaining.  But in the end, as we shared a cookie and a glass of milk, we read the story.  Wow did it make a difference.  Suddenly, he was very involved in the book.  We talked about our own experience and how it was so similar to that one in the story.  Reading was suddenly fun.  This child was only 2 years old.

6.  Take your child to the library and make it a parent/child date.  When possible, make it one on one and have an ice cream cone or something afterwards to make it even more special.

     I hope some of these ideas help.  In my experience, they have made a great difference in the way children view books and story time.  Reading exposes children to many new words which increases the chances of success in school.  So please, take time to read daily to your children.