2. Often parents are not too happy about their
child’s preference of watching television
over reading a book. They make reading a
task and children see this as a compulsion
and not as a choice. Parents can actually
help their child become avid readers by
exposing them to a few good habits of
reading. This should be done on a very
positive note with no pressurising.

3.  Here are a few simple tips to make your
child read more.

4.  You should read on a regular basis and
ensure that your child sees you reading with
interest. Actually, the reading matter is not
so important. Other than books it could be
pamphlets, magazines or recipes. In fact you
could have a reading time when you and your
child sit quietly and read your individual
books. Your child will emulate your habit of
reading and enjoy the quiet time spent with
you while reading.

5.  Do not restrict books to one corner or shelf
of the house. Keep them scattered
throughout the house, near the TV table, on
the bedside table and in the child’s room.
This will increase the child’s access to books
and stimulate the reading habit.

6.  If your child is small, take a book that has
text and pictures and discuss with your child
about the characters and incidents in it.
Develop an interest in him or her so that he
or she feels motivated to read it. You could
also take turns in reading aloud from the
same book. This will inculcate a strong grasp
on the spoken language too.

7.  In most homes there is a well specified TV
watching time. In addition have a specific
reading time in your house where you all
read something. Begin with shorter duration
as smaller kids tend to lose interest fast.
Then according to his or her age, lengthen
the duration of reading time. Afternoons may
be the best time for reading as opposed to
reading at night before bed, as the child is
quite sleepy then. Bedtime reading can
supplement normal reading time.

8.  Whenever your child finishes reading a book,
give him or her a reward. Please do not go
overboard in this and restrict yourself to
small tokens only. You could even tell your
child to write a summary of the book and
reward him or her afterwards. This will also
improve his or her quality of writing.

9.  Find out about a library that is in your city
and become a member. Opt for one with a
Reading Room that is spacious. Take your
child to this library and spend some time
there on a weekly basis. Take books home
and stress on the importance of returning the
books by the due date. Your child will
understand the urgency and read more to
finish the book and bring home another one.
Spend some time with your child in the
Reading Room.

10. Reading is one of the best hobbies to pursue as it
improves language skills and opens up a world of
knowledge for your child. Do take it seriously but
do not make it a painful task for children. Let them
read at their own pace and develop a liking for it. A
visit to a library will further instill the habit of
reading and the excitement of bringing home a new
book every time will keep the habit alive.
K J Choksi Library
Opp: District Collector Office www.kjchoksilibrary.org
Bharuch Telephone: (02642)260888
Gujarat 392001
India