Page 33 - Waterfall City Issue 3 March 2025
P. 33
RAISING
READERS
IN A
DIGITAL
WORLD
By Lauren Fischer
S creens are everywhere with simple printed stories, children them that reading is part of your day
lets them know it’s something to
these days, competing for
learn that reading is enjoyable – a
our children’s attention.
way to relax and discover.
enjoy, too.
Yet, books offer something
unique – they spark curiosity, bring Create a comfy reading Read aloud, together
comfort, and unlock worlds of spot Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers
imagination and insight. Encouraging A cosy corner with a basket of books – primary school children often
children to reach for a book might can work wonders. It might be a quiet love being read to, even up to
take some extra effort in a digital spot by the window or a beanbag grade 6 or 7. It’s about picking a
world, but it’s a journey worth taking. in their bedroom – somewhere they book that’s engaging and age-
Whether they’re toddlers clutching can grab a book and settle in. When appropriate. Sharing a story as
their first picture book or primary books are easy to reach, reading feels a family can turn reading into a
school children diving into adventure like a natural choice, just part of what relaxing and memorable bonding
stories, here’s how to make reading they do at home. activity. Gathering together to enjoy
a treasured part of family life. a chapter each night or discussing
Set the example the plot builds a sense of connection,
Start early with print books Children are quick to copy what making reading feel like quality time.
Print books can make reading feel they see. If they watch you reading a
special from the very start. There’s book or flipping through a magazine, Let kids pick their books
something calming about holding they’ll see reading as something Letting children choose their own
a book, turning the pages, and worth doing. Whether it’s a novel, books is key to keeping them
exploring illustrations. By starting recipe book, or newspaper, showing interested. Take them to the library
Waterfall City Issue 3 2025 31
