Page 18 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 11 December 2024

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RAISING READERS

IN A DIGITAL WORLD

creens are everywhere these CREATE A COMFY READING SPOT appropriate. Sharing a story as a family can
days, competing for our children’s A cosy corner with a basket of books can turn reading into a relaxing and memorable
attention. Yet, books offer work wonders. It might be a quiet spot by bonding activity. Gathering together to enjoy
Ssomething unique – they spark the window or a beanbag in their bedroom – a chapter each night or discussing the
curiosity, bring comfort, and unlock somewhere they can grab a book and settle plot builds a sense of connection, making
worlds of imagination and insight. in. When books are easy to reach, reading reading feel like quality time.
Encouraging children to reach for a book feels like a natural choice, just part of what
might take some extra effort in a digital they do at home. LET KIDS PICK THEIR BOOKS
world, but it’s a journey worth taking. Letting children choose their own books is
Whether they’re toddlers clutching their SET THE EXAMPLE key to keeping them interested. Take them
first picture book or primary school Children are quick to copy what they see. to the library or a bookshop and encourage
children diving into adventure stories, If they watch you reading a book or flipping them to browse and pick what catches their
here’s how to make reading a treasured through a magazine, they’ll see reading as eye – comics, animal books, mysteries,
part of family life. something worth doing. Whether it’s a novel, anything that excites them. The choice is
recipe book, or newspaper, showing them theirs, and that makes all the difference.
START EARLY WITH PRINT BOOKS that reading is part of your day lets them
Print books can make reading feel special know it’s something to enjoy, too. USE TECHNOLOGY SMARTLY
from the very start. There’s something Technology can be a fantastic support for
calming about holding a book, turning the READ ALOUD, TOGETHER children with reading challenges, such
pages, and exploring illustrations. By starting Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers – as dyslexia or ADHD. Audiobooks and
with simple printed stories, children learn primary school children often love being interactive e-books provide access to stories
that reading is enjoyable – a way to relax read to, even up to grade 6 or 7. It’s about in a way that feels natural without putting
and discover. picking a book that’s engaging and age- pressure on traditional reading skills. For

16 DPL issue 11 2024