Why Read to Your Children?

Make Reading a Pleasure

Read "with a light touch," keeping the atmosphere relaxed, informal, and enjoyable.  Perceptive parents know when to stop reading Lena says:   "Sometimes Andrew who is two years old, is very tired and doesn't sit well for very long.  We shorten our reading schedule to accommodate his mood.  We don't want Andrew to have any negative feelings about reading, so we don't force it on him for longer than he can take."

Reading aloud involves so much more than merely vocalizing what is printed.  Know when to turn the page of a picture book so as to build suspense.  Keep pace with the flow of the text. Voice modulation and sense stress can also contribute much to the story.  The warmth in your voice and instill a feeling of security in your child.   

The benefits are greatest when your child is an active participant.  Pause periodically, and ask open-ended questions.  Expand on your child's answers by offering alternative possibilities.  

Be Selective in Your Choice of Books

Perhaps the most important factor, though, is to choose good books. Doing so requires  a little homework. Carefully screen books, and stick to those that have a positive or instructive message and a good moral to the story.  Take a close look at the cover, the artwork, and the general style. Select books that are interesting to both parent and child. Often children will ask for the same story to be read again and again.

Parents the world over have especially appreciated My Bible Book of Stories. It was designed for parents to read with their young children, and it can not only help children to become good readers but also stimulate their interest in the Bible.

Next time: Parents who read aloud to their children can engender them in good reading habits, which may bring meaningful results throughout life. JoAnne observed regarding her daughter:  "Not only did Jennifer learn to read and write before going to school and acquire a love for reading but, more important, she has developed a love for our Grand Creator, Jehovah. Jennifer has learned to rely on his written Word, the Bible, to guide her in all her decisions."  Truly what you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him or her to learn.

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . ./How Do I Deal With Angry People?

From the Awake! magazine