Page 30 - FWG Issue 4 May 2023

Today’s Child

if they are to keep up and cope with also download reading games and interest in the stories and characters and
it as adults. This tech has actually puzzles that will make reading more eventually start reading on their own.
been incredible for kids who would fun and interactive for your child. 5. Let your child choose the books:
have been left behind 20 years ago. 2. Set a good example: Children often Encourage your child to choose the
Kids with challenges like dyslexia, mimic the behaviour of their parents, so books they want to read. Take them to
Irlen syndrome, ADHD, and visual if they see you reading, they are more the library or bookstore and let them
processing disorders were often likely to develop an interest in books. Set browse the shelves. This will give them a
undiagnosed. Teachers just assumed aside some time every day to read a book sense of ownership and make them more
these children couldn’t grasp reading, or a newspaper, and make sure your child interested in reading. You could also ask
and most struggled through school sees you doing it. This will help them them to recommend books to you, and
as a result. While this is still often the understand that reading is an enjoyable read them together as a family.
case, those aware of their children’s and worthwhile activity. 6. Make reading a fun activity: Reading
challenges can use technology to their 3. Create a reading-friendly environ ment: should not be a chore or a punishment.
advantage. My son is severely dyslexic Create a cosy and comfortable reading Instead, make it an enjoyable activity by
but has a thirst for knowledge and a space in your home. This could be a incorporating it into your daily routine.
love of stories. I got an Audible account corner of the living room or a dedicated For example, you could read to your
when he was seven and never looked reading nook in their bedroom. Make child before bedtime or have a family
back. He ploughed through novels sure there is enough light, a comfortable reading hour on weekends. You could
reserved for kids much older than his chair or cushion, and plenty of books to also organise a book club for your child
tender years, yet his comprehension choose from. You could also play some and their friends, where they can discuss
was on par. Reading is not just about soft music in the background to create a their favourite books and exchange
looking at letters on a page. The joy calm and relaxing atmosphere. recommendations.
comes from hearing the stories and 4. Start early: It is never too early to start 7. Celebrate reading milestones:
conjuring images in your head, which reading to your child. Even if they are too Celebrate your child’s reading milestones
happens regardless of the format young to understand the words, they will by praising them and rewarding them
you choose. Many apps and websites still enjoy the sound of your voice and with small treats or prizes. This will
offer interactive and engaging stories, the colourful illustrations in the books. motivate them to keep reading and
e-books, and audiobooks. You could As they grow older, they will develop an make them proud of their achievements.

Fourways Gardens • 28 • May 2023