"Turning the Page: A Guide to Igniting Your Child's Love of Reading"

As a parent, you want your child to grow up with a love of reading. But what do you
do when your child is more interested in playing with toys or watching cartoons?
Don't worry, there are many ways to encourage a love of reading in young children,
and it doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be fun!

One of the best ways to encourage reading is through storytelling. Whether it's
through books or oral tales, children love to hear stories. I remember when I was a
kid, my grandfather would tell me stories about his childhood adventures. He didn't
have any books, but his stories were so captivating that I would listen for hours. It
was through these stories that I developed a love for reading, and I still cherish those
memories today.

Similarly, a friend of mine recently shared a funny incident about her son, who was
not interested in reading until he discovered a comic book series. He became so
obsessed with the series that he would read them under the covers with a flashlight
at night, even though he was supposed to be sleeping!

Another great way to encourage reading is to find books that align with your child's
interests. For example, when my son was young, he was obsessed with dinosaurs. I
used this interest to encourage his love of reading by finding books about dinosaurs
at the library. We would read the books together and talk about the different species,
and he even started writing his own stories about dinosaurs.

In India, storytelling is a part of our culture. We have a rich tradition of oral

storytelling that has been passed down from generation to generation. One of the
best ways to encourage a love of reading in young children is to incorporate this
tradition into your child's life. You can tell stories about the gods and goddesses, or
stories from the Panchatantra or Jataka Tales.

I also remember a story about a young girl who lived in a village in rural India. Her
father was illiterate and had never read a book in his life, but he would tell her stories
every night before bed. He would make up tales about animals, fairies, and brave
warriors, and the girl would listen intently. Eventually, she learned to read on her own
and became the first person in her family to attend college.

In addition to storytelling, it's important to make reading fun for children. Use funny
voices, act out the scenes, or make up your own endings to the story. When my
niece was about four years old, she was not interested in reading at all. One day,
while we were visiting her, my sister-in-law picked up a children's book about a

Written by Neha Purohit, 2023

talking elephant and started reading it out loud in a funny voice. My niece was so
amused that she asked her mom to read it again and again. Eventually, she started
reading it on her own and even began to ask for other books!

Finally, it's important to make reading a part of your child's routine. Set aside a
specific time each day for reading, and make it a special time. Curl up together on
the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, or read a story before bed.
By making reading a part of your child's routine, you are helping to build a lifelong
love of reading.

Encouraging a love of reading in young children doesn't have to be a chore. By

incorporating storytelling, finding books that align with your child's interests, making
reading fun, and making it a part of your child's routine, you can help your child
develop a lifelong love of reading. Who knows, maybe your child will be the next
great Indian

To make reading a fun activity, parents can incorporate different voices and sound
effects while reading to their child. This will keep them engaged and interested in the
story. For example, if the story is about a lion, parents can roar like a lion to bring the
character to life. This will also help the child understand the story better and retain
information.

Another fun way to encourage reading is to take the child to a library or a bookstore.
In India, there are many local libraries and bookstores that offer a wide range of
children's books. Parents can let their child browse and choose their own books to
read. This can also help the child feel empowered and in control of their reading
choices.
One of my favorite memories from childhood is going to the local library with my
mother. I would spend hours browsing through the shelves, carefully selecting books
that I wanted to read. My mother would often read to me before bed, using different
voices and sound effects to make the story come alive. Those moments ignited a
lifelong love of reading in me, and I hope to pass on that same joy to my own
children someday.

As a parent, you want to encourage your child to become a bookworm and develop a
love of reading that will last a lifetime. But how do you do it? Here are some fun and
quirky tips to encourage your child to love reading:

1. Make it a part of your daily routine

Reading should be a part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth. Make it a
habit to read to your child every day, whether it's a short story, a picture book, or a
chapter from a longer book. Even if your child can't read yet, they will still benefit

Written by Neha Purohit, 2023

from hearing stories and seeing pictures. You can also make reading a part of their
bedtime routine, which can help them wind down and prepare for sleep.

2. Let them choose their own books

Children are more likely to get excited about reading if they get to choose what they
read. Take your child to a bookstore or library and let them browse the shelves for
books that interest them. Don't worry if they choose books that are below their
reading level, as long as they enjoy reading them.

3. Make reading fun

Reading doesn't have to be a serious activity. Make it fun by doing silly voices for
characters or acting out scenes from the book. You can also make snacks that are
related to the book you're reading, like having a tea party with Alice in Wonderland or
making green eggs and ham for Dr. Seuss.

4. Be a role model

Children learn by example, so make sure you're setting a good one. Let your child
see you reading books or magazines, and talk to them about what you're reading.
You can also read books together and discuss them, which can help your child
develop critical thinking skills.

5. Read books in your native language

It's important for children to be exposed to their native language as much as

possible. If you speak a language other than English at home, try to find books in
that language to read with your child. This can help your child develop language
skills and a sense of cultural identity.

6. Take advantage of technology

While traditional books are always a great option, there are also many digital
resources available that can help encourage a love of reading. You can download e-
books, use reading apps, or even watch interactive storybooks on a tablet. Just
make sure to monitor your child's screen time and choose age-appropriate content.

7. Make reading a social activity

Reading can be a fun social activity, especially if your child has friends who also love
to read. You can start a book club with your child and their friends, or attend library
events or book fairs together. This can help your child develop social skills and make
reading a more enjoyable experience.
Written by Neha Purohit, 2023
In conclusion, reading is an essential skill that plays a vital role in a child's
development. By making reading a fun and engaging activity, parents can instill a
love of reading in their child from an early age. They can start by reading to their
child, providing a comfortable reading environment, and giving them the freedom to
choose their own books. With time, the child will develop their reading skills, expand
their vocabulary, and gain valuable knowledge and insight. And who knows, maybe
one day they'll become an avid reader, just like me!

Written by Neha Purohit, 2023