Reading is one of the essential skills in this world, and parents or other adults can nurture (educate or train) that skill in children. The easiest way to facilitate (make easier; to assist) reading development in children is to read to them aloud. When parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or neighbors take the time to read to children, children become interested in the reading process. Reading aloud to children can begin at a very young age, even within weeks of birth. Most experts recommend that parents adhere (to follow closely, to give support, to stick together) to at least a half hour a day of reading to a child to develop an interest in reading.
Children hear new vocabulary when they are read to, and that stimulates the brain. A child’s language skills can even surpass (to go beyond) adult expectations when discussion of a book becomes part of the reading environment. When adults talk to children about the stories they have read together what happened, which characters they liked best, what the point of the story was a children’s critical thinking skills are greatly increased.
Adults shouldn’t impose (force on others) their reading interests or level on a child. Asking children to read books too far above their comprehension level can impede (to block) their reading development.
The mastery of reading is tied to self-esteem, so parents want to make sure not to push their children. A simple way to see if a child wants to read a book is to take the child to the library or bookstore and let the child find books that · interest him or her. An adult can guide a child’s choices, especially based on .the child’s interests (dinosaurs, knights, the ocean), but-the child should be excited about the books ·the family, takes home to read. Children have an
innate (possessed at birth) interest in language, and parents can support that natural interest through wise
Parents can also be reading advocates (a person who supports a cause) by having books in the home and reading themselves.When a child sees a parent enjoy reading, the child learns that it is a fun and important skill to acquire. Today’s children are so susceptible (sensitive) to the lure of television and video games (most children spend three to four hours a day in front of the television) that it’s essential for, parents to take the lead in making reading an exciting and memorable experience.
All children have the potential (the ability for growth) to be successful readers. For some children, reading skills 0will come quickly and easily; for others, it will take more time. If parents are ever unsure about a child’s reading ability, they can always contact school or community programs for advice.
