Make Your Child a Reading Rock Star

By Cat Schwartz, the “Hi Tech Mommy”

I'm sure you've heard the message before: “Read with your children – just 15 minutes a day can last a lifetime.” Whether it is teaching them that words go from left to right or discussing the moral of a story they just read, only a few minutes of reading a day can prepare your child for success. By integrating reading into their everyday life, you can help your children develop essential literary skills. Most importantly, the undivided attention and love they get from sitting in your lap and listening to your voice will become a backbone for a lifetime of learning.

Here are some tips I use to make reading a part of my child’s life:

Wake up to reading

Traditionally, bedtime is considered a great time for reading, but many parents find their child is too tired to make it through an entire story. Try this – set aside time before breakfast to read together. That way you both will get the most out of your time together, and your child will start the day out right!

Make it fun

It’s important to keep reading fresh and exciting. A great way to make things interesting for your child is to incorporate his or her favorite characters into a story. Adding products like VTech’s Create-A-Story into your routine will inspire your child’s creativity by allowing them to build their own story around some of their favorite Disney characters, such as Winnie the Pooh and Disney Princesses.

Use reading as a reward

Show your child that good behavior can be rewarded with more meaningful things than a piece of candy or a new toy. On a special day or after a big accomplishment, set aside some extra reading time together. Let your child choose the material and after the story is over, spend a few minutes discussing what you just read. After all, they cherish their time with you more than anything.

Create a special reading place

Picking a spot for reading time with your child is fun for both of you. Whether it is a favorite chair, a pile of pillows in the attic, or a quiet nook, let your child pick their favorite spot, and help them make it comfortable for story time.

Search for reading on the go

Keep your kids thinking about reading throughout the day by asking them to sound out a road sign or identify the letters on a billboard. Incorporating basic reading elements into outings throughout the day will keep your child focused on their education.

Set goals & track progress

Setting attainable yet challenging goals not only provides motivation for your child’s reading development, but also fosters confidence once those goals are accomplished. When it comes to supporting their child’s learning, parents have a great ally in Club VTech which contains an array of information including advice from child development expert Lise Eliot, tips on fun and educational activities throughout the year, access to progress reports and more.