By Anna Wallis
Giving every child the gift of reading is the key to success at home, school and in life. It is a gift that keeps on giving in return in so many different ways. In years to come this precious gift will be instrumental in helping children become successful adults and build the future.
As parents we are always looking ahead. Accordingly, we do everything we can to give our children the best start in life. One of the surest of making dreams come true for parents and children alike is to inspire a love of reading.
Making Time for Story-time
The gift of reading is simply about making time for:
- Reading to children for the fun of it at bedtime or any other time of day.
- Having a few beautifully illustrated picture books and age-appropriate information books within easy reach.
- Enjoying lovely conversations about books and stories and all the other topics that interest children as they grow and develop.
This precious gift is so easy to share. All it takes is our enthusiasm, affection and a sense of fun for a few minutes each day, creating happy memories together:
- Helping children to associate reading and books with pleasure from birth.
- Showing children that reading is the most exciting and rewarding activity.
Reading Shapes Growing Minds
The early years are a time when children become themselves, form values and attitudes as their personalities unfold before our eyes. Raising readers for life gives us the perfect opportunity to:
- Simply have fun and enjoy children just the way they are.
- Really get to know, appreciate and enjoy the unique personality of each individual, growing child.
- Tune-in to developmental needs of children at every age and stage of development to help them fulfill their own individual potential.
The real magic of giving children the priceless gift of reading is that it is a lot of fun. At the same time it is the best way to help children develop the essential reading readiness skills they need to thrive at school.
Love of books is the best gift we can give young children as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and child minders. Reading really is a gift that keeps on giving in so many different and wonderful ways.
