6 ways to raise readers

My sister used to laugh at me when I'd say, "She loves to read," when my daughter was a baby. "She's not READING!" she'd chuckle at the absurdity of my words. Except I am a teacher and a parent, and I know where the foundations for literacy start, and it's as early as you dang well want it to be. Now, is there one set formula that works for every kid and every parent every single time? No, of course not, but there are things you can do very early on to encourage a reading culture per se, that will hopefully make reading part of their daily, and a joyful part at that!

1) Let there be books:

There is a very clear difference between the child that was not exposed to books at a young age and the child that was. This isn't "bad", but books bring such a joy to so many kids, that it's a shame to exclude them from early learning. Just as we set the building blocks for eating and walking and talking, we do the same for reading. So just having books in their general play area will give them the option of picking one up, or simply looking at the colourful image on the front of them. Having various books readily available will naturally make them curious to check it out. Not everyone can buy books, of course, so the library is a great option, or asking local buy/sell groups if anyone has books they are getting rid of. Most of our book stash comes from other parents' kids growing out of them! There are always books at thrift shops too, or you can do a book swap with someone.

2) Introduce them early:

There are these wonderful creations called baby books; sometimes they crinkle and squish and snort, sometimes they are in the shape of a board book. Some can hook onto car seats or fit into your pocket; books are versatile and amazing, much like their readers. I started showing and holding books with my kids when they were wee babies. Why should this matter, you ask? Because again, these are the foundations of reading. Simply put, they are learning what a book is: I can hold it! I can squish it! I can turn the pages and see new colours! This page feels soft! This one feels different! My parent is close to me when I look at these things. I can hold this one by myself. I can throw this one because it's really light. What's this thing dangling in front of me? So much curiosity and wonder to explore.

3) Let them see you read:

This could be hard for some people, but if you can, let your kids see you read. I would make it my weekend ritual to have at least my cup of coffee with a book in the morning. I had my special spot and the kids learned that this is what I did for at least 15 minutes of the mornings, so it wasn't play-with-mom time. Soon after that, they just joined in. Mom's having book club? I want to have book club! They'd pick up their own book and find their own soft spot and join in. Usually when I was finished my coffee, I'd then read a few to them as well. It became part of our routine.

4) Make reading something special:

This can look very different depending on your creativity, but I'll give you some examples. The first suggestion I'd make is take them to the library, especially if your local library offers reading programs, like story time for young children. This can be a special "event" for them that makes reading stand out as a special activity we get to do. Most libraries do a fantastic job at these reading programs, and afterwards, let them go book shopping. I'd bring the biggest basket I could find at home, and I said they could get as much as they wanted! Of course that was a big YAY! You can also set up an intentional reading nook at home. It doesn't have to be much, but something soft and close to the books. I'd often set up their soft couch or just cushions and blankets, made stacks of books, and usually added a snack plate and it became their little after-school surprise. I also make a themed book crate or box, so they can get excited about specific things, whether it's a Christmas theme, Halloween, or a seasonal theme like Spring and animals. And, most importantly, reading with YOU is the most special thing of all. They get to be close to you, and have one-on-one time with you, so making reading special happens naturally when reading with you.

5) Read every day:

Again, there isn't a magic number, but daily reading is really important in setting these early foundations for literacy. Maybe there's a specific time of day you can read together, even if it's just one book. Maybe it can become part of your morning or evening routine, or even looking at a book in the car when on the way to somewhere (I always have a bag of "car books" available).

6) Provide an array of books:

Readers have a variety of interests, so offering a variety of books is really important. Whether fiction or non-fiction, or anything that pertains to a specific interest, whether sports, art, special characters, nature, or mythical creatures. You can offer comic books, graphic novels, early chapter books, novels, reference books, or kid-friendly encyclopedias. Magazines, picture books, funny books, silly books, or books about butts (there are a concerning amount of books out there now about farting and butts and it's hilarious, but also on the verge of okay, come on now...).

These are just some ways to develop a joy or love for reading, and it's so important for building their literacy skills.

In love and literature,

Nadine