Little one falling asleep while reading? Here’s how to make reading fun and interesting
If you're struggling to keep your little ones' eyes open while reading to them, here are a few tips on how to keep their attention.
Reading is a vital part of every child’s development and something we should instil in our children as a fun and healthy habit from a very young age. However, reading isn’t always seen as something fun for the younger generation, but it is important to show them how much fun and interesting this activity can be, whether done alone or as a family.
While we’d like to think that we can focus on one thing for hours on end, children between the ages of five and six are believed to have an attention span of 10 to 15 minutes. So how do you keep your little ones sustained for longer?
• Create a cozy spot for your reading time with your child
• Reading aloud is fun for children, especially when mom or dad use different voices for each character – it’s a way to build vocabulary, attention skills, and comprehension
• Let your children help you choose the book you will be reading together – this will get them excited and keep them interested
• Point out the pictures in the book as you read – this allows them to understand and connect to the story
• Help your child realise that reading pertains to more than just books – encourage them to get their hands on everything they can
• For birthdays and holidays, give your children books, just as you would a toy – everything looks better with a bow on it
• Leave your child’s books next to their beds. If you encourage them to read for a few minutes each night, they’ll be polishing off books in no time
• Help your children sign up for a library card – not only will they feel more grown-up, they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and possession
• Turn a trip to your library or local bookstore into an anticipated event
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