The Joy of Reading

Make reading with your child a priority.  Show themdelayed in getting ready for bed, cut short the time of
the true joy a book can bring.reading. The time they spend with you is more
Reading… one of THE most necessary skills.precious to them than words can describe. If they lose
Reading affects almost every aspect of our lives, andsome of that time, they will prioritize their time
parents, as well as society as a whole, desperatelyallocations to avoid missing any of their reading time!
want children to learn the joy reading and the fulfillmentThis sets up their frame of mind to make reading a
it can bring. But, how?high priority! In their mind, reading is correlated to happy
The joy of reading is typically acquired when childrenmemories.
are very young. By the time they enter elementaryAs the children get a little older and begin to read on
school they either love reading or consider it a serioustheir own, sit together with the children while they read
labor. Therefore, the time for enriching their lives needsaloud or read a favorite selection to them for part of
to start from birth.the time. When they are reading to themselves, read
When children are young, they crave time spent withone of your books. Show them that reading is
their parents. They are willing to do almost anything,something you do as well for enjoyment.
including reading. Make reading a part of your daily life.Sharing time together, reading a story together and
Set aside a half an hour, typically prior to bedtime, toshowing them that reading is a quiet activity that is filled
dedicate to reading and time spent with the children.with rewards will impart the love of reading.  Reading
Make them earn this as a reward.with your children is definitely quality family time.  Build
The nightly routine can be something as simple as: "Ifthat bond even stronger and enjoy your children
you want to have time to read, you must have yourreading.
pajamas on and teeth brushed by 7:30pm." If they are