Page 32 - Waterfall City April Issue 2023

Waterfall City Today’s Child

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

30 Waterfall City Issue 4 2023